JOLO, Sulu — In a major blow to the local illegal drug trade, authorities arrested two suspects and seized more than P1.7 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation on the evening of April 5 at the Santanina Rasul Sports Compound in Barangay San Raymundo.
The joint operation was spearheaded by the Jolo Municipal Police Station, with support from the 1404th Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Provincial Intelligence Unit of Sulu, and personnel from the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company.
The suspects were identified as a 32-year-old, jobless resident of Barangay San Raymundo, and an 18-year-old student from Barangay Kajatian, Indanan. Both are now under police custody.
Recovered from the operation were two medium-sized heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu, weighing approximately 250 grams and valued at P1,700,000. Additionally, two smaller sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 2 grams were confiscated, with an estimated street value of P13,600.
Police also seized two P1,000 bills used as marked money, P5,000 in suspected drug proceeds, a camouflage Jansport belt bag, a black Huawei cellphone, and an empty ziplock bag.
The inventory and marking of the seized items were conducted on-site in the presence of the suspects, a barangay official, a Department of Justice representative, a media representative, and the operating team.
The suspects and the confiscated evidence were brought to the Jolo Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and filing of charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PBGEN Romeo J. Macapaz, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR), commended the operating units for the successful operation. He highlighted the accomplishment as a testament to PRO BAR’s steadfast commitment to eradicating illegal drugs and ensuring peace and security in the Bangsamoro region.