A weeklong intensified law enforcement operation across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) resulted in the apprehension of 22 individuals involved in illegal activities, including 17 with outstanding warrants, police said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, BARMM police director, said the simultaneous operations from April 7 to 14, also led to the confiscation 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 in Cotabato and Marawi cities.

During the same period, Macapaz added, police also seized 23 assorted unlicensed firearms.

On Sunday, Sultan Kudarat municipal police, backed by Philippine Marines and Cotabato City police, arrested four individuals, including a minor, in an entrapment in Barangay Rosary Heights, Cotabato City.

Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, Sultan Kudarat police chief, said the suspects initially agreed to sell shabu to an undercover operative in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, but changed the transaction location.

Six large sachets of shabu, estimated at PHP1.02 million, mobile phones, marked money, and a Suzuki minivan were confiscated. The minor was referred to the city social welfare office.

In Marawi City on April 10, police apprehended a high-value target known as “Orak” in Barangay Sabala Manao Proper, seizing 300 grams of shabu valued at PHP2,040,000, along with marked money, personal items, and drug paraphernalia.

“Orak” is reportedly a key figure in the illegal drug trade in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.