P5.5-M shabu, smuggled cigarettes seized in Lanao del Sur

Police in the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) seized P5.5 million worth of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and smuggled cigarettes in two separate law enforcement operations in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, July 22. Two suspects were arrested. In a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Lalabuan, Balindong, authorities arrested a suspected drug pusher identified only by the alias “Khalid.” Confiscated from him were approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P3.4 million, along with the buy-bust money and other pieces of evidence related to the operation. Authorities are preparing to file charges against the suspect for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. In a separate checkpoint operation in Barangay Rebokun, Malabang, another suspect was arrested after police intercepted 2,400 reams of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated total value of P2,053,632. The suspect, alias “Al,” attempted to flee by speeding past the police detachment in Barangay Rebokun at past 10 p.m. He was eventually arrested when police from Malabang and Calanogas towns jointly launched a pursuit operation that led to his apprehension on board a Toyota Hi-Ace van with license plate NKT-8925. The arrested suspect, confiscated vehicle, and alleged smuggled cigarettes are now under the custody of the Malabang police station for proper documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate disposition and further legal proceedings. “I commend our operating units for their swift coordination, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to law enforcement. This successful operation reflects our firm commitment to combating smuggling and other illegal activities,” Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, PRO-BAR director, said. “The public can be assured that we will continue to intensify our operations to protect the welfare of our people, uphold the integrity of our borders, and safeguard our nation’s economy,” he added.