ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte — Authorities confiscated approximately 1.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, valued at ₱10.2 million, during a major anti-illegal drug operation in Iligan City on Tuesday, July 28, resulting in the arrest of a female drug suspect while her alleged accomplice managed to evade arrest.
The successful operation was carried out at around 12:20 p.m. in Barangay Saray, Iligan City, through a joint effort led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office IX (PDEA RO9) through its Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office (ZNPO), in coordination with the PDEA Regional Office X – Lanao del Norte Provincial Office and the Iligan City Police Station 5.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by her alias “Richie,” a 34-year-old single female and a resident of Barangay Tubod, Iligan City. She was apprehended during the conduct of the buy-bust operation after allegedly engaging in the illegal sale of dangerous drugs.
Meanwhile, another suspect identified only by the alias “Mark” successfully escaped and remains the subject of intensive follow-up operations by law enforcement authorities.
Large Volume of Suspected Shabu Recovered
Recovered from the operation were one vacuum-sealed transparent plastic pack and one heat-sealed transparent plastic pack, both bearing the marking “666,” containing an aggregate weight of approximately 1.5 kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated standard value of ₱10,200,000.00.
Operatives also seized several non-drug pieces of evidence believed to be connected to the illegal drug transaction, including:
- Buy-bust money;
- A Gold Leaf cigarette pack;
- A rectangular carton box;
- A J&T Express pouch;
- A black backpack;
- A paper bag; and
- One mobile phone.
Authorities said these items will undergo further examination as part of the ongoing investigation into the suspected drug network.
Evidence Properly Documented
Following the operation, law enforcement personnel conducted the mandatory inventory and documentation of the confiscated evidence in the presence of representatives from the media, the barangay, and the National Prosecution Service (NPS).
The procedure was carried out in accordance with the requirements of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, ensuring the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized illegal drugs for court proceedings.
Criminal Charges to Be Filed
The arrested suspect will face charges for Violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, which penalizes the illegal sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs.
Authorities have also intensified efforts to locate and arrest the remaining suspect, alias “Mark,” as investigations continue to determine the extent of the group’s alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.
PDEA Calls for Continued Public Cooperation
PDEA reiterated its appeal for the public to remain vigilant and actively support the government’s campaign against illegal drugs by promptly reporting suspicious drug-related activities to the appropriate authorities.
The agency emphasized that sustained collaboration among law enforcement agencies, local government units, and community members remains crucial in dismantling illegal drug networks and preventing the proliferation of dangerous drugs.
Officials further underscored that inter-agency cooperation, intelligence-driven operations, and community participation continue to play a vital role in achieving the government’s goal of building safer, more secure, and drug-free communities throughout the country.