Law enforcement agents arrested a high-value target (HVT) and confiscated approximately P13.6 million worth of illegal drugs during an anti-drug operation in Maguindanao del Norte, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed on Monday, June 29, 2026.
Buy-bust operation leads to arrest
The PDEA in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-Barmm) identified the arrested suspect as alias Dats, 42, a resident of Poblacion village, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur. Dats was apprehended in a buy-bust operation conducted on Sunday, June 28, in Landasan village, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.
Authorities seized two kilograms of shabu packed in two Chinese tea bags marked with the number 888, valued at P13.6 million. Also recovered from the suspect were a mobile phone, a compact multi-purpose vehicle, a wallet, assorted identification cards, travel documents, and a key.
Suspect in custody, charges filed
The suspect is currently detained at the PDEA-Barmm Jail Facility. Charges are being prepared against him for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, according to PDEA-Barmm officials.
The PDEA-Barmm disclosed that Dats is allegedly involved in the distribution of illegal drugs across Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, and North Cotabato provinces. The operation was carried out with the support of various police units in Maguindanao del Norte and intelligence operatives in the region.
