DATU PIANG, Maguindanao del Sur — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) seized approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱3.4 million during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Kanguan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, on September 12, 2026.
The operation was carried out by the PDEA Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Office as part of continuing law-enforcement efforts to disrupt the illegal drug trade in the province.
Authorities arrested a 32-year-old man identified as alias “Toy,” a resident of Barangay Buayan, Datu Piang, during the operation.
PDEA-BARMM said the operation was conducted with the support of the Datu Piang Municipal Police Station, the PNP Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the PNP Regional Intelligence Unit 15, and the 38th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Suspected shabu packed in 10 sachets
Recovered from the operation were 10 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substances suspected to be shabu, with a combined weight of more or less 500 grams.
PDEA placed the estimated value of the seized suspected illegal drugs at approximately ₱3.4 million.
Also recovered were the buy-bust money used during the operation and one cellular phone allegedly associated with the suspect.
The seizure represents a significant quantity of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, and underscores continuing enforcement operations against the distribution and sale of illegal drugs in communities across Maguindanao del Sur.
Following his arrest, alias “Toy” was brought into PDEA custody and is currently detained at the PDEA-BARMM Jail Facility while authorities proceed with the appropriate legal and investigative processes.
Suspect to face drug sale charge
PDEA-BARMM said the arrested suspect will face a case for alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the sale, trading, administration, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs.
The case will undergo the appropriate judicial proceedings, where the prosecution will be required to establish the allegations against the accused in accordance with law.
Authorities did not provide additional details on the alleged source of the suspected shabu or whether the operation was connected to a larger drug-trafficking network.
The successful operation highlights the continuing coordination among PDEA, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army in addressing the illegal drug trade in Maguindanao del Sur.
All seized substances will be subjected to the required examination and documentation procedures as part of the evidence-handling and prosecution process.