THREE known drug personalities were arrested while around P6.8 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in a law enforcement operation in Cotabato City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Friday, August 7, 2026.
The PDEA in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) identified the arrested suspects through their aliases as Nori, 44; Bai; 32; and, Tato; 36, all residents of Cotabato City.
The suspects were arrested in a buy-bust on Thursday, August 6, in Rosary Heights 3 village, Cotabato City.
Seized from them was one kilogram of shabu packed in one of transparent plastic bag worth P6.8 million.
Also recovered during the anti-drug operation were two cellular phones, a minivan, one Automated Teller Machine card, the buy-bust money, three identification cards, two Land Transportation Office official receipts, and one deed of sale for the vehicle.
The arrested suspects were detained and will be charged with violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The PDEA-Barmm said the suspects are involved in illegal drugs trade in Cotabato City, nearby towns of Maguindanao del Norte and as far as North Cotabato.
The anti-drug operation was launched by the PDEA Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Office with the operational support from intelligence operatives, Marine Battalion Landing Team-6, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Highway Patrol Group, and police units. (SunStar Zamboanga)