LEBAK, Sultan Kudarat — A 24-year-old man was arrested after allegedly selling suspected shabu to an undercover police officer during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion III, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, on August 15, 2026, resulting in the recovery of ₱86,156 worth of suspected illegal drugs and a homemade handgun.
The suspect, identified by authorities as alias “Arnel,” a resident of Barangay Poblacion III, was arrested after allegedly selling one sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the Lebak Municipal Police Station in coordination with the 2nd Sultan Kudarat Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd SKPMFC), Sultan Kudarat Provincial Intelligence Unit/Drug Enforcement Unit (SKPIU/SKPDEU), Regional Intelligence Division 12 (RID 12), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Police said the operation led to the recovery of five sachets containing a total of 12.67 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street drug price of ₱86,156.
Authorities also recovered a homemade 5.56mm handgun with one live round chambered, along with six additional live rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
Other items seized during the operation included a black-and-gray sling bag, a black coin purse, and the marked ₱1,000 buy-bust money.
The suspect was brought to the Lebak Municipal Police Station for documentation and further processing. Meanwhile, the seized drug evidence was turned over to the appropriate forensic unit for examination and proper disposition.
Criminal complaints are being prepared against the suspect for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, covering the alleged sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
Authorities are also preparing a complaint under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, in connection with the recovered homemade handgun and ammunition.
The operation is part of the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign of the Lebak Municipal Police Station and its partner law enforcement units in Sultan Kudarat.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to formal filing, investigation, and court proceedings. The suspected shabu will likewise undergo forensic examination to determine its actual composition and confirm the quantity reported by authorities.