ZAMBOANGA CITY — Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao seized about 500 grams of shabu worth P3.4 million and arrested a highly valued drug peddler during a sting operation conducted in Cotabato City.

PDEA-BAR director Rogelito Daculla disclosed that drug enforcement agents conducted a buy-bust operation in Maria Clara Street. Rosary Heights 4, Cotabato City on Friday.

Nabbed in the operation was Bomul Salunting, 23 and a resident of Barangay Kitapok, Datu Saudi, Ampatuan, while his cohort — identified only as Ryan or Sangki — was able to elude arrest during the operation.

Operatives were able to confiscate 10 pieces of heat-sealed shabu weighing 500 grams with an estimated value of P3.4 million, and a piece of orange cartoon box.

The buy-bust operations were aided by the Talayan Municipal Police Station, Task Force Kutawato, Highway Patrol Group and Maritime Police.

"My sincere appreciation to our counterparts for the success of the operation, this is a result of a good working relationship with other law enforcement units," Daculla added.

Salunting is now detained at PDEA-BAR Regional Jail Facility who will face charges for violation of RA 9165.