BULUAN, MAGUINDANAO DEL SUR — Four individuals, including the alleged maintainer of a drug den, were arrested after Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives dismantled an alleged drug den during a buy-bust operation in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur on August 18, 2026.
The operation was conducted at the Ebus Residence in Purok 1, Upper Siling, Buluan by the PDEA Maguindanao Provincial Office in coordination with several law enforcement units.
Arrested were alias Jerry, 48, identified by authorities as the alleged drug den maintainer; alias Ali, 58; alias Raj, 32; and alias Teddy, 48.
PDEA BARMM said the operation was carried out with the support of the PNP Regional Intelligence Unit 15 (RIU 15), PNP Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU), Buluan Municipal Police Station, and the 21st Mechanized Company of the Philippine Army.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the seizure of 16 transparent, heat-sealed plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu.
The seized substance had a combined estimated weight of more or less eight grams and an estimated street value of ₱54,400, according to PDEA BARMM.
Operatives also recovered the buy-bust money, three mobile phones, a PhilHealth identification card, and various drug paraphernalia believed to be associated with the alleged drug-den operation.
Following their arrest, the four suspects were brought to and detained at the PDEA BARMM Jail Facility while awaiting inquest proceedings.
PDEA said the suspects are facing charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The provisions cited cover the illegal sale and other prohibited activities involving dangerous drugs, the maintenance of a drug den, employees and visitors of a drug den, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The operation underscores the continuing efforts of PDEA BARMM and its law enforcement partners to target not only individuals allegedly involved in the distribution of illegal drugs but also locations reportedly being used as drug dens.
The seized substances will remain subject to proper examination and disposition in accordance with established procedures, while the allegations against the four arrested individuals will undergo the appropriate legal process.