An anti-illegal drug operation in Sultan Mastura town, Maguindanao del Norte resulted in the seizure of P6.8 million worth of shabu abandoned by a drug personality who managed to escape from authorities.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director Gil Cesario Castro narrated on Wednesday that the supposed drug peddler, identified only as a certain “Dhats,” managed to evade arrest during the 1 p.m. operation last Tuesday.

“Upon the consummation of the transaction, the suspect sensed the presence of the apprehending team and ran towards the nearby houses,” Castro said.

The operation was launched by operatives from the PDEA-BARMM, Philippine Marines and the Maguindanao Provincial Police along the highway in Barangay Tapayan.

“A pursuit operation is still ongoing against the suspect,” Castro said.

Seized during the operation were 20 plastic sachets of shabu, weighing about 1,000 grams with a street value of P6.8 million and a sling bag that contained the illegal substance.

Castro said cases for violation of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against the suspect.

The recovery of illegal drugs came four days after PDEA-BARMM agents arrested a police officer and a woman and seized over P4 million worth of shabu in the city.