An active police officer and three others were arrested with suspected illegal shabu worth nearly P14 million in a buy-bust operation in Sulu on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), the policeman is a staff sergeant and a non-commissioned officer.

Confiscated from them were sachets of suspected shabu weighing around two kilos, mobile phones, and a motorcycle.

The suspects are now detained and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).

“I commend all the operating units that successfully prevented the attempt of a large volume distribution of illegal drugs in Sulu that could destroy the lives of many people”, PDEA-BARMM Director, Gil Cesario Castro, said.

ZAMBOANGA OPS

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, authorities seized suspected illegal drugs worth more than P4 million and arrested three people in a sting operation that led to a firefight in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Police and PDEA-9 agents conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Veterans Village, Ipil, which resulted in an exchange of fire.

No one was reported hurt in the firefight.

Authorities launched a hot pursuit operation and arrested the three suspects. Two other drug personalities escaped.

Seized from the suspects were 13 sachets of suspected shabu worth more than P4.4 million, a caliber .9mm pistol, a caliber .30 Carbine rifle, ammunition, and a vehicle.

The suspects are now detained and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) and Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591).

PDEA-9 said the operation was part of intensified efforts to curb illegal drug activities in the region.