Pahamuddin: Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) arrested a drug peddler who yielded shabu, two firearms, and a grenade in Pahamuddin town of the BARMM's Special Geographic Area (SGA) in North Cotabato on Tuesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA-BARMM Director Gil Cesario Castro described the operation as 'hitting two birds with one stone.' He noted that the suspect is both a drug pusher and an illegal gun holder. The operation was initiated after a tip-off led PDEA agents and soldiers from the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion to lure the suspect, identified by alias 'Mascod,' through a buy-bust at his residence in Barangay Balacayon, Pahamuddin.
The suspect was found with five grams of shabu valued at PHP34,000, along with the buy-bust money, drug paraphernalia, a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, an MK2 hand grenade, and ammunition. The operation underscores the ongoing collaboration between PDEA and other security sectors to combat illegal drug activities and ensure public safety, especially for the youth.
Charges against the suspect include violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, RA 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and RA 9516, which strengthens laws against illegal possession of firearms and explosive devices.
