COTABATO CITY – Authorities dismantled a suspected drug den in Cotabato City following a successful anti-illegal drugs operation that resulted in the arrest of five individuals, the rescue of a minor, and the seizure of approximately 25 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱170,000, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reported.
The buy-bust operation was conducted on July 26, 2026, by the PDEA Regional Office BARMM, through the PDEA Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office, in close coordination with the Cotabato City Police Office’s City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) and City Intelligence Unit (CIU). The operation was carried out at Barangay Poblacion Mother, Cotabato City.
According to PDEA, the operation successfully dismantled a suspected drug den allegedly maintained by a regional target-listed personality involved in the illegal drug trade.
Recovered during the operation were 13 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 25 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱170,000.
Authorities also confiscated two cellular phones, a sedan along with its key and registration documents, buy-bust money, two identification cards, and assorted drug paraphernalia believed to have been used in illegal drug activities.
The arrested suspects were identified only by their aliases in accordance with law enforcement protocols:
- “Salik,” 34, married, a fish dealer, and identified by authorities as a Regional Target Listed Personality and the alleged maintainer of the drug den;
- “Said,” 34, married, a payong-payong (motorized tricycle) driver;
- “Musa,” 25, single, a payong-payong driver;
- “Dem,” 31, married, a payong-payong driver; and
- “Damolag,” 19, single.
In addition to the arrests, authorities rescued one male minor found at the scene. PDEA said the child will be turned over to the appropriate government agencies for proper intervention, protection, and disposition in accordance with existing child welfare laws and procedures.
The five suspects are set to face charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), 6 (Maintenance of a Drug Den), 7 (Employees and Visitors of a Drug Den), 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) under Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said the successful operation highlights the continued collaboration between PDEA and the Philippine National Police in intensifying anti-drug enforcement efforts across the Bangsamoro region.
The dismantling of the suspected drug den also underscores the government’s ongoing campaign to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs while ensuring that vulnerable individuals, particularly minors found in drug-related environments, receive the necessary protection and rehabilitation services.
PDEA has reiterated its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and strengthening partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to keep communities safe from illegal drug activities.