AUTHORITIES have arrested an alleged notorious suspect and seized around P3.4 million worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in the province of Lanao del Sur, an official said Friday, March 14, 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 Angko, 35, a resident of Papandayan Caniogan, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
Castro said Angko was arrested in a buy-bust on Wednesday, March 12, in Purok 4, Matampay village, Marawi City.
The anti-drug operation was launched following intensive surveillance and intelligence gathering on the activities of Angko related to illegal drug trade.
Castro said Angko had been running a widespread illegal drug trade operating not only within Marawi City but also extending his network to nearby towns in Lanao del Sur.
Seized from Angko were around 500 grams of shabu packed in five knot-tied transparent plastic sachets wrapped in packaging tape and one open transparent plastic sachet worth P3.4 million.
Also recovered from the suspect were the buy-bust money, identification cards, and a motorcycle.
The suspect was arrested by PDEA agents with the support of the police forces.
Castro said the success of the anti-drug operation highlights the government's relentless campaign against illegal drugs.
"This is a significant accomplishment in our ongoing efforts along with the LGU (local government unit) Marawi City to dismantle drug networks operating in the area," Castro added. (SunStar Zamboanga)