BUSTED. Authorities account for the illegal shabu drugs seized from a couple in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday (Aug. 22, 2023). Also seized from the suspects during the buy-bust (inset) were a .45-caliber pistol, mobile phones, various identification documents, and the vehicle they used in the transaction with a poseur-buyer. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-Maguindanao)
COTABATO CITY – Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM) arrested a couple and seized PHP3.4 million worth of shabu during an operation in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte Tuesday afternoon.
Asnawi Salik, PDEA-Maguindanao provincial head, identified the couple as Laguiamuda Samama and his wife Samira Osmenia, both listed as high-value targets (HVTs) of PDEA-BARMM.
The buy-bust operation was conducted at about 2 p.m. along the national highway in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Norte.
Salik said the couple was to sell about 10 grams of shabu worth PHP68,000 to a PDEA undercover agent and was immediately arrested after the handover.
Mobile phones, assorted identification cards, a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition, other personal items, and a black minivan vehicle were also confiscated.
“Upon follow-up search, we recovered about 500 grams of shabu kept in a black sling bag with an estimated cost of PHP 3.4 million,” Salik said in a statement Wednesday, adding that the anti-narcotics agents have been following them for several months.
PDEA agents were backed by police and Philippine Marines during the buy-bust operation, Salik said.
Now detained at the PDEA-BARMM detention facility, the couple is facing charges for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. (PNA)
