AUTHORITIES have arrested a high-value target (HVT) and seized over P2 million worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in Lanao del Sur, an official said Friday, April 11, 2025.
Gil Cesario Castro, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-Barmm), identified the arrested suspect as alias Orak, 24.
Orak was arrested in a buy-bust on Thursday, April 10, in Barangay Sabala Manao Proper, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Seized from him were 300 grams of shabu packed in three knot-tied transparent plastic bags and worth P2,040,000, buy-bust money, and one mobile phone.
Orak will be charged with violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Castro said the anti-drug operation was launched against Orak by PDEA agents with the support of the 45th Special Action Company, 500th Engineering Combat Battalion, Task Force Marawi, and Marawi City Police Station.
"This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering collaboration among law enforcement agencies and the City Government of Marawi, highlighting their steadfast commitment to eradicating the drug menace in Lanao del Sur and in Barmm," he added.
The confiscation of more than P2 million worth of shabu is the second successful anti-drug operation launched by PDEA-Barmm.
On Tuesday, April 8, agents of PDEA-Barmm backed by policemen and military operatives have arrested three HVT suspects in a buy-bust that led to the dismantling of a drug den in Sitio Veterans, Maganda village, Lamitan City, Basilan province.
Seized from the dismantled drug den were six grams of shabu packed in 14 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and worth P40,800, buy-bust money, various drug paraphernalia, and a cellular phone. (SunStar Zamboanga)