Koronadal: Three individuals identified as drug peddlers were apprehended by police in this city on Thursday afternoon, resulting in the seizure of suspected shabu valued at more than PHP2.4 million, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sto Ni±o.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Peter Pinalgan Jr., city police director, reported that law enforcement operatives also confiscated a motorcycle, a pistol, and various shabu paraphernalia from the suspects. The individuals were identified as 'Toks,' 29, from Tantangan, South Cotabato, and 'Toto,' 34, and 'Lito,' 32, both residents of Koronadal City.

'The trio were arrested after successfully selling PHP20,000 worth of shabu to an undercover police operative acting as a buyer,' Pinalgan said in a press release on Friday. After the initial arrests, a further search led to the discovery and confiscation of seven more large sachets containing suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP2.4 million.

Pinalgan credited the operatives of the Regional Intelligence Division 12 and the South Cotabato PNP Drug Enforcement Unit for their crucial support in the successful entrapment operation. The three arrested suspects are currently detained at the Koronadal police lock-up and are facing charges of violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.