ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities arrested two individuals believed to be big-time drug pushers in the region and seized from their possession at least 500 grams of suspected shabu worth P3.4 million during a buy-bust operation in Lanao del Sur.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director Rogelito Daculla disclosed that two  big-time drug peddlers were arrested by PDEA operatives during a buy-bust operation in  Purok 4, Barangay Eastern, Wao, Lanao del Sur on Tuesday.

Daculla identified the suspects as Jamel Sandulong Mabpan alias Orak and Daud Tidong Lios alias Daud, both are residents of Barangay Buntongan, Wao, Lanao del Sur.

PDEA operatives seized from the possession of the suspects five pieces of transparent plastic bag containing more or less 500 grams of shabu worth P3.4 million.

Anti-narcotics agents also recovered the  buy-bust money, one  unit of a mobile phone and one unit Baja Motorcycle believed to be used in their illegal drug transactions.

Daculla said they conducted the buy-bust operation after receiving a series of reports about the activities of Mabpan and Lios in the village, adding that Mabpan and Lios were reportedly the suppliers of illegal substances in the adjacent villages in Wao.

A case for violation of Republic Act 9165 is being prepared for filing against the arrested suspects who are now detained at PDEA-BARMM Jail Facility in Cotabato City.