The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced the arrest of two businessmen and the seizure of ₱20.7 million worth of illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation on Monday morning, March 9, in Barangay Maladig, Picong, Lanao del Sur.
Authorities identified the suspects as “Ben,” 55, a resident of Cavite, and “Abag,” 46, from Maguindanao del Norte. Both were tagged as high-value individuals (HVIs).
Seized from them were approximately 3,054 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱20,767,200, along with the buy-bust money, mobile phones, identification cards, and a gray sports vehicle used in the transaction.
Police said the joint enforcement operation followed weeks of intelligence surveillance.
The suspects were arrested shortly after completing a drug transaction with undercover officers.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. lauded the successful operation conducted by joint enforcement units. He emphasized the importance of consistent intelligence work in dismantling illegal drug networks.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang ating operasyon laban sa illegal drugs. Hindi natin hahaya ang makalusot ang mga sindikatong sumisira sa kinabukasan ng ating mga kababayan,” Nartatez said.
The suspects are now under police custody, facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165). (Odralim Villarez)
