COTABATO CITY – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA BARMM), in coordination with the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), successfully apprehended two individuals involved in illegal drug activities during a buy-bust operation on April 3, 2025, at around 7:00 p.m. in Pedro Colina Hill, RH 1, Cotabato City.
The operation, conducted under the supervision of PDEA BARMM Director Gil Cesario Castro, resulted in the arrest of live-in partners identified by their aliases, Jhanine (Grace), 26, and Jude, 25, a painter. The suspects were reportedly engaged in the illegal drug trade, operating in nearby towns of Maguindanao and Cotabato City. They now face charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Authorities confiscated various illegal substances and paraphernalia during the operation. Seized items included a heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing approximately five grams of shabu, two self-sealing plastic sachets containing dried marijuana leaves weighing around 12 grams, with a total estimated street value of ₱35,440. Law enforcers also recovered buy-bust money, drug paraphernalia, an identification card, a mobile phone, and several financial documents.
Director Castro emphasized the significance of the operation in the ongoing fight against illegal drugs. “This successful operation highlights the strengthened partnership between PDEA BARMM, BADAC, and the City Local Government Unit (LGU) in our intensified campaign against illegal drugs, reinforcing our commitment to making communities safer and drug-free,” he said.
Authorities continue their investigation to determine the full extent of the suspects’ operations and any possible links to larger drug networks. The PDEA BARMM and its partners remain steadfast in their commitment to curbing illegal drug activities in the region.