Two suspects were arrested and an estimated ₱118,864 worth of suspected shabu was seized during a buy-bust operation conducted by authorities in Barangay Talub, Tamparan, Lanao del Sur, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Police Col. Caezar P. Cabuhat, provincial director of the Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, said the suspects were intercepted while passing through a checkpoint aboard a minivan.
During routine inspection, authorities noticed two bottles of Red Horse Beer openly visible inside the vehicle. Officers also observed that the passengers appeared to have the smell of alcohol.
When flagged down, the driver refused to stop and instead accelerated, resulting in the vehicle crashing into the checkpoint signage. This prompted authorities to immediately arrest the suspects.
Recovered during the operation was a RELX container box containing one heat-sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu weighing 5.07 grams. Authorities also seized an improvised tooter and a disposable lighter.
A facemask containing two heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing 9.95 grams was also recovered. In addition, a Rockbros black container was found to contain one heat-sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu weighing 2.46 grams.
The total weight of the suspected shabu reached 17.48 grams with an estimated street value of ₱118,864.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Cabuhat said the successful apprehension highlights the importance of intensified checkpoint operations in preventing the transport of illegal drugs.
He added that authorities will continue strengthening checkpoint operations to ensure the safety and security of communities in the province.
