ANTI-DRUG OPERATION. An undercover policeman (seated) conducts an inventory on the pieces of evidence seized in an anti-drug operation that resulted in the confiscation of PHP6.8 million worth of shabu Sunday (Dec. 26, 2021) in Barangay Calarian, Zamboanga City. Arrested during the anti-drug operation were three people (standing), including a former soldier (standing, right) tagged as a high-value target suspect. (Photo courtesy of Zamboanga City Police Office's Station 11)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – A former soldier tagged as a high-value target and two others were arrested while some PHP6.8 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in an anti-drug operation in this city, the police reported Monday.
Maj. Chester Natividad, Zamboanga City Police Office’s (ZCPO) Station 11 chief, said the arrested suspects are all from Jolo, Sulu and identified as follows: Jaafar Ekong, 51, a former soldier who went on absence without official leave (AWOL); Darwisa Ibbo, 48; and, Toto Samson, 32.
Natividad said the three suspects were arrested in an anti-drug operation around 6:38 a.m. Sunday at Purok 2, Phase 1, Lobregat Village in Barangay Calarian, this city.
Seized from the suspects were a kilo of suspected shabu worth PHP6.8 million, PHP1,499,000 boodle money topped with one genuine PHP1,000 bill as marked money placed in a face mask box, and a cellular phone, according to Natividad.
He disclosed that the sale of illegal drugs was consummated Sunday morning following two months of transactions with the suspects, who seemed elusive.
“We are tracing the source of their supply of shabu,” he added.
Col. Rexmel Reyes, ZCPO director, lauded the operating units that included the ZCPO’s Station 11, City Drug Enforcement Unit, and 2nd City Mobile Force “Seaborne” Company for the successful anti-drug operation
“Amid the health pandemic, and the celebration of the Yuletide season, the anti-illegal drugs operation will continue without let-up and will be unrelenting as ever,” Reyes said Monday.
He said that the collaboration between and among members of the intelligence units and the community was a huge help in contributing to the success of the anti-drug operation.
He said the suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
