LINAMON, Lanao del Norte — A 32-year-old man was arrested after police and anti-drug authorities allegedly seized 16.10 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱109,480 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Samburon, Linamon, Lanao del Norte, on the night of August 31.
The operation was conducted at around 10:28 p.m. at Purok 8, following a coordinated effort by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Office, the Provincial Intelligence Unit, the PDEA-10 Iligan-Lanao del Norte, and the Linamon Municipal Police Station.
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by his alias, “Dodong,” 32, pending the filing and appropriate disposition of the case.
Police said the operation was launched after a poseur-buyer allegedly purchased ₱500 worth of suspected shabu from the suspect. The transaction reportedly triggered the arrest of Dodong and the subsequent recovery of additional suspected illegal drugs.
Seized during the operation were several heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, along with a cigarette case and the marked money used by the poseur-buyer during the transaction.
Authorities placed the total weight of the suspected illegal drugs recovered at approximately 16.10 grams, with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱109,480.
The suspect and the confiscated items were brought to the Linamon Municipal Police Station for documentation, inventory and proper disposition. The seized substances are expected to undergo the required examination and evidence-handling procedures.
Police are preparing charges against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation is part of continuing intelligence-driven efforts by law enforcement authorities in Northern Mindanao to disrupt the distribution and sale of illegal drugs in local communities.
PBGen Nestor C. Babagay Jr., police regional director, urged the public to continue cooperating with authorities and immediately report suspicious activities believed to be connected to the illegal drug trade.
Authorities emphasized that the arrest resulted from a coordinated operation involving police and anti-drug units, reflecting the continuing campaign to identify and apprehend individuals allegedly involved in the trafficking and distribution of illegal drugs.
The arrested suspect will face the appropriate legal proceedings, while the confiscated substances and other evidence will be processed in accordance with established procedures. The allegations against the suspect remain subject to the outcome of the investigation and court proceedings.