P360K worth of suspected shabu seized in Lanao del Norte

LANAO DEL NORTE — Police arrested an alleged high-value drug suspect and seized approximately ₱360,808 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, early Tuesday, 3 November 2026.

Lanao del Norte Police Provincial Director Col. Leo Dea Leon Sua said the suspect, identified only as alias "Abay," 35, was arrested at about 4:25 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Candis.

The operation was conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Intelligence Unit and Tubod Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Police said the suspect allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth ₱500 to an undercover operative.

A subsequent search yielded five additional sachets of suspected shabu, assorted cash, a pink coin purse and two disposable lighters.

Authorities estimated the seized drugs weighed 53.06 grams, with a standard drug price of ₱360,808.

The confiscated items were marked and inventoried at the scene in the presence of the suspect, an elected barangay official and a media representative.

The suspect was taken to the Tubod Municipal Police Station for documentation.

Charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared for inquest proceedings before the Lanao del Norte Provincial Prosecutor's Office.