TARAKA, Lanao del Sur — Authorities seized approximately ₱3.63 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested an alleged high-value drug target during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Masolun, Taraka, Lanao del Sur, on October 15, 2026.
The suspect, identified as Faiz Moin Tampogao, also known by the alias “Jam,” 33, was arrested at around 12:45 p.m. during an operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Lanao del Sur, with support from several police and intelligence units.
According to the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), Tampogao is a resident of Barangay Dilausan, Maguing, Lanao del Sur. He was described by authorities as a high-value target and was reported to be unemployed.
More than 533 grams of suspected shabu recovered
Authorities reportedly initiated the arrest after a poseur-buyer successfully purchased suspected illegal drugs from the suspect, triggering his immediate apprehension.
The operation resulted in the recovery of 10 sachets containing suspected shabu with a combined weight of 533.7 grams. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency placed the estimated value of the seized substances at ₱3,629,160, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation.
Also recovered were an Android mobile phone, an identification card, and ₱1,000 in buy-bust money placed on top of seven bundles of boodle money used during the operation.
The seized substances and other pieces of evidence are expected to form part of the investigation and the preparation of criminal charges against the arrested suspect.
Multiple law enforcement units participated
The operation was spearheaded by PDEA Lanao del Sur, with the participation of the Lanao Tactical Intelligence Unit–Marawi Division (LTIU-MDN), the 53rd Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF), Taraka Municipal Police Station, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 15 (PDEG SOU 15), and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Regional Office 17 in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (NICA RO17 BARMM).
The coordinated operation underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to target individuals identified as high-value targets in the illegal drug trade in Lanao del Sur.
Following his arrest, Tampogao was placed under the custody of the lead operating unit for documentation and further investigation. Authorities said he would face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The allegations against the suspect remain subject to judicial proceedings, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.