Drug offender apprehended by PDEA and police, confiscating PHP 13.6 million worth of shabu in Lanao del Norte.
In a joint anti-drug operation, operatives from PDEA-Zamboanga Peninsula, PDEA-Northern Mindanao, and local police units in Lanao del Norte apprehended a high-value target (HVT) suspect named alias Salik, 28, on August 25, 2025, in Lanao del Norte, Philippines.
The operation, led by Bryan Babang, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Zamboanga Peninsula director, took place in Lanao del Norte and resulted in the seizure of approximately two kilos of suspected shabu worth an estimated street value of P13.6 million. Seized alongside the drugs were bundles of boodle money, one genuine P1,000 bill used as marked money, and two paper bags.
During the operation, alias Salik's residence was targeted. However, another suspect, alias Jan, managed to escape and is currently the subject of a manhunt. Approximately five grams of suspected shabu were seized during the attempt to arrest alias Jan around 2:50 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, in Tubod village, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. The operatives attempted to arrest alias Jan around 4 p.m. in Bagong Silang village, Iligan City, but he remains at large.
Alias Jan, also known as "Miami Gianni," is a wanted individual who fled after a dramatic arrest in Australia. He was involved in illegal drug trade and criminal investigations, but was later released on bail due to insufficient evidence. Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against alias Salik and his cohort, alias Jan.
It's important to note that the operation did not take place in Zamboanga, but in Lanao del Norte, a different province in the Philippines. Alias Salik is a resident of Bangulo village, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
The ongoing anti-drug operation continues efforts to locate alias Jan, with the goal of bringing both suspects to justice. The PDEA and local law enforcement agencies remain committed to their mission of combating illegal drugs and maintaining the safety and security of the communities they serve.
