BALINDONG (WATO), Lanao del Sur — Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR) dealt another major blow to the illegal drug trade after arresting a suspected drug trafficker and confiscating approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱3.4 million during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lalabuan, Balindong (Wato), Lanao del Sur, on July 22, 2026.
The successful anti-illegal drug operation was led by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) of the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), with support from the Provincial Special Operations Group of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (LDSPPO), Balindong Municipal Police Station, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 14A–1403rd Regional Mobile Force Company, Marantao Municipal Police Station, Provincial Intelligence Unit-LDSPPO, and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company-Lanao del Sur.
According to PRO BAR, the operation stemmed from intelligence-driven efforts targeting a suspected drug personality identified only by the alias “Khalid.”
A police poseur-buyer, accompanied by a confidential informant, met the suspect at the predetermined transaction site, where alias “Khalid” allegedly offered to sell five knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu in exchange for ₱500,000 in buy-bust money.
After the illegal transaction was completed, the undercover operative executed the pre-arranged signal, prompting the arresting team to immediately move in and place the suspect under lawful warrantless arrest.
Armed Resistance Met by Police
The operation briefly turned tense when three armed cohorts of the suspect reportedly resisted the arrest despite police officers identifying themselves and calling for a peaceful surrender.
Authorities said the operatives were compelled to employ the necessary force to neutralize the imminent threat and safely complete the operation.
Despite the confrontation, no casualties or injuries were reported among the law enforcement personnel or the armed companions of the suspect.
Evidence Recovered
Police recovered the following items during the operation:
- Five knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu;
- One genuine ₱1,000 bill placed atop five bundles of boodle money used as buy-bust money;
- One green eco bag;
- One transparent plastic bag; and
- Two fired cartridge cases believed to have been discharged from a 9mm firearm.
Authorities said the confiscated illegal drugs weighed approximately 500 grams and carried an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) National Average Price of ₱3.4 million, making it one of the region’s significant anti-drug accomplishments.
Evidence Properly Processed
Police said the seized evidence was immediately marked, inventoried, photographed, and documented at the place of seizure in the presence of the mandatory insulating witnesses, in compliance with the procedures under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
The confiscated items were subsequently brought to the nearest police station for proper disposition and will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit (RFU) BAR for laboratory examination and safekeeping.
Authorities are now preparing charges against alias “Khalid” for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Public Cooperation Credited
PRO BAR credited the operation’s success to the continued cooperation of local residents who provided valuable information that supported intelligence gathering and law enforcement operations.
The regional police reiterated that community participation remains a vital component of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs, urging the public to continue reporting suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Police emphasized that protecting communities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region from the threat of illegal narcotics is a shared responsibility between law enforcement agencies and the public, as authorities continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling drug networks operating in the region.