ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat — Three individuals were arrested and suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱439,892 was seized during a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) buy-bust operation in Barangay Kenram, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, on October 23, 2026.
The operation was conducted at Purok Pagkakaisa by the PDEA Region 12, through its Sultan Kudarat Provincial Office, with support from the Isulan Municipal Police Station and the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.
Authorities identified the three arrested individuals by their aliases as Rika, 29; Jed, 29; and Anthony, 37. Their identities were not disclosed in the information provided by the agency.
Three sachets of suspected shabu recovered
Operatives confiscated three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu. According to the operation report, one sachet was identified as the suspected illegal drug sold during the transaction, while the other two were recovered as evidence of alleged possession.
Authorities also seized a genuine ₱1,000 bill used as buy-bust money and seven pieces of boodle money allegedly used in the transaction.
Other items recovered during the operation included a brown sling bag, a pink handbag, a transparent plastic sachet, a mobile phone, a brown coin purse and a sedan.
The authorities did not provide further details on the ownership of the seized vehicle or the specific roles allegedly played by each of the three suspects in the transaction.
Drug charges under Republic Act 9165
The three arrested individuals are set to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Section 5 penalizes the unauthorized sale, trading, administration, dispensing, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers the unlawful possession of dangerous drugs.
The filing of charges does not, by itself, establish guilt. The allegations will have to be proven through the appropriate legal proceedings.
Authorities continue anti-drug operations
PDEA Region 12 said the operation reflects its continuing efforts to suppress illegal drug activities and strengthen public safety through sustained law enforcement and coordination with local police units.
The latest arrest operation adds to the anti-drug enforcement activities being carried out by authorities in Sultan Kudarat. However, further details on the suspects’ alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade, the source of the seized substances and any possible links to a wider distribution network were not included in the information released.
The three individuals remain entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.