Manila: A weeklong law enforcement operation in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) concluded with the arrest of 22 individuals involved in illegal activities, including 17 with outstanding warrants. The operation, which took place from April 7 to 14, also led to the confiscation of smuggled goods and illegal substances, the BARMM police reported.

According to Philippine News Agency, Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, director of the BARMM police, stated that the coordinated operations resulted in the seizure of smuggled cigarettes and petroleum products valued at PHP1 million, and the recovery of over PHP4 million worth of suspected shabu in separate anti-drug operations carried out in Cotabato and Marawi cities. Alongside the drug busts, law enforcement officers also confiscated 23 assorted unlicensed firearms.

In a notable operation on Sunday, four individuals, including a minor, were arrested in Cotabato City during an entrapment operation conducted by the Sultan Kudarat municipal police, with support from the Philippine Marines and Cotabato City police. The suspects were initially set to conduct a drug transaction in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, but changed the location to Barangay Rosary Heights. The operation resulted in the seizure of six large sachets of shabu, estimated to be worth PHP1.02 million, along with mobile phones, marked money, and a Suzuki minivan. The minor involved in the incident was referred to the city social welfare office for appropriate measures.

Furthermore, on April 10 in Marawi City, police officers apprehended a high-value target known by the alias ‘Orak’ in Barangay Sabala Manao Proper. The arrest led to the confiscation of 300 grams of shabu valued at PHP2,040,000, in addition to marked money, personal items, and drug paraphernalia. ‘Orak’ is reportedly a significant figure in the illegal drug trade in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.