2 nabbed; P3.7-M shabu seized

Anti-narcotics operatives arrested two suspects and seized approximately 550 grams of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, authorities reported.

The operation was conducted in Barangay Poblacion after midnight on Wednesday, by personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental, in coordination with the Police Regional Intelligence Unit 10.

The suspects were identified in the initial report as alias Doing, 33, a businessman and resident of Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion, and alias Katrina, 23, a resident of Purok 8, Barangay San Vicente, both in Kapatagan.

Authorities reported recovering five knot-tied plastic packs containing approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu and another heat-sealed pack containing about 50 grams.

The seized substances had an estimated standard value of P3.74 million, while their reported street value was P900,000.

Other items recovered included a blue lunch bag allegedly used to carry the drugs, a mobile phone, nine bundles of boodle money topped with a genuine P1,000 bill, a light brown eco-bag used to carry the buy-bust money, and a Yamaha Mio 125 motorcycle.

The operation forms part of law enforcement efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in Northern Mindanao.

The suspects may face charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, subject to the investigation and filing of formal complaints.