Picong: Authorities arrested two businessmen on Monday and confiscated over PHP20.7 million worth of illegal drugs in Picong, Lanao del Sur, police said Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), reported that the drug sting operation was conducted on Monday morning along the national highway in Barangay Maladig of Picong town in the province. He identified the two arrested high-value targets as 'Alias Ben' from General Trias, Cavite and 'Alias Markie,' a resident of Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte.
Seized from the suspects were 3,054 grams of suspected shabu, estimated to be worth PHP20,767,200, along with genuine buy-bust money amounting to PHP500,000, two mobile phones, and a Toyota sport utility vehicle with license plate NDB-6952. The police official noted that the suspects had agreed to sell PHP500,000 worth of illegal drugs to a poseur buyer, who was a police undercover agent.
As the exchange of the illegal substances and the buy-bust money took place, police officers in civilian vehicles arrived and arrested the suspects. De Guzman praised the operating units and their partner agencies for their prompt and effective action, highlighting their dedication and professionalism in fulfilling their duties.
