COTABATO CITY – Authorities dealt a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in Central Mindanao after a joint anti-narcotics operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the arrest of three alleged drug personalities and the seizure of approximately one kilogram of suspected shabu valued at ₱6.8 million in Cotabato City on Thursday, August 6.
The operation was carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA RO-BARMM) through the PDEA Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office, which spearheaded a buy-bust operation in Barangay Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases “Bai/Nori,” 44; “Bai,” 32; and “Tato,” 36, all residents of Cotabato City. According to PDEA, the three allegedly worked together in distributing illegal drugs not only within Cotabato City but also in neighboring municipalities of Maguindanao del Norte and as far as North Cotabato, indicating the existence of a wider drug distribution network operating across provincial boundaries.
During the operation, law enforcement officers confiscated approximately 1,000 grams (one kilogram) of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱6.8 million.
Aside from the illegal drugs, operatives also recovered several items believed to be connected to the suspects’ alleged drug trafficking activities. These included two cellular phones, one black minivan, one automated teller machine (ATM) card, the marked buy-bust money, three identification cards, two Land Transportation Office (LTO) official receipts, and a deed of sale for the seized vehicle.
The successful anti-drug operation was conducted through the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Operational support was provided by the City Intelligence Team–Regional Intelligence Unit 15, City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Cotabato City Police Office, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-BARMM, City Intelligence Unit of the Cotabato City Police Office, PNP Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 15, PNP Highway Patrol Group, and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6.
Authorities said the collaboration among the various agencies underscored the government’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs in the Bangsamoro region and nearby areas.
The three suspects are now under the custody of authorities and will face charges for Violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA reiterated its commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations and strengthening inter-agency coordination to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the Bangsamoro region and neighboring provinces, while urging the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts by reporting illegal drug activities in their communities.