COTABATO CITY — Authorities have arrested Abubakar Kunsi Maguid, a 28-year-old tricycle driver accused of selling shabu, during a police entrapment operation. The operation took place on July 29, 2025, in Purok 5 of Barangay Rosary Heights 9, resulting in the seizure of more than P238,000 worth of shabu. Maguid had been under surveillance for an extended period as he disguised himself as a legitimate tricycle driver while actively distributing illegal drugs to various contacts within Cotabato City and the surrounding municipalities, including Sultan Kudarat and Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao del Norte.
The police operation was executed by personnel from Police Station 1 under the leadership of Captain Harmin Sinsuat and was supported by intelligence operatives from the Cotabato City Police Office, headed by Colonel Jibin Bongcayao. Local officials, including Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao, acknowledged the collaboration of the community, specifically Maguid’s relatives and neighbors, who provided intelligence leading to the successful arrest.
Maguid, who lived in Barangay Rosary Heights 10, had previously evaded multiple attempts to apprehend him by law enforcement agencies. Brigadier General Jaysen De Guzman of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region confirmed that this success was a result of precision planning and community cooperation. He expressed gratitude towards the confidential informants who played a crucial role in locating and apprehending Maguid, highlighting the importance of community involvement in combating illegal activities in the region.
