The Philippine National Police seized more than ₱17.2 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and arrested a 28-year-old male suspect during a buy-bust operation in Jolo, Sulu, on July 1.
The operation was conducted in Barangay Tulay by personnel of the Jolo Municipal Police Station in coordination with other police units and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
Authorities confiscated approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu with a Standard Drug Price of ₱1.36 million and three kilograms of suspected cocaine with a Standard Drug Price of ₱15.9 million.
Police also recovered suspected drug proceeds, buy-bust money, and other pieces of evidence.
The PNP said the inventory and marking of the recovered items were conducted at the scene in the presence of the required witnesses, in accordance with existing procedures.
The suspect and the confiscated evidence were later taken into police custody for documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens intelligence-driven and lawful police operations in support of the peace and order initiatives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating personnel for the successful operation and stressed the importance of sustained and professional law enforcement efforts.
“Hindi tayo hihinto sa ating kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga. Every successful operation helps make our communities safer, but we will always ensure that our actions are lawful, transparent, and respectful of people’s rights,” Nartatez said.
“I commend our operating teams for their professionalism and coordination. We will continue to strengthen intelligence-driven operations while working closely with our partner agencies to keep illegal drugs away from our communities,” he added.
The PNP continues to encourage the public to support law enforcement efforts by sharing information that can help prevent crime and dismantle illegal drug activities, in line with its commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman.