DRUG HAUL. Part of the PHP3.4 million 'shabu' seized from two suspected drug peddlers in Marawi City on Thursday afternoon (Nov. 17, 2023). Police said the suspects sold the illegal drugs to an undercover agent near a hospital in Marawi City, which eventually led to their arrest. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-BARMM)
COTABATO CITY – Authorities arrested six suspected drug dealers and seized PHP3.6 million worth of “shabu” during separate anti-drug operations in the provinces of Lanao del Sur and Sulu on Thursday afternoon.
In a report released Friday, Director Christian Frivaldo of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-BARMM) said the twin operations occurred in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and Patikul town in Sulu.
In Marawi City, he said anti-narcotics agents arrested suspected drug peddlers Minsuary Abinal and Ansary Gulman for selling shabu near a hospital around 4 p.m.
“In that operation, about PHP3.4 million worth of shabu was confiscated,” Frivaldo said, adding that the two did not resist arrest.
On the same day, PDEA operatives also arrested four men, identified as Rashier Bakil, Al Naber Jadjuli, Apalal Padjiri and Utal Abdulla, during an entrapment operation in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
Several sachets of shabu estimated to cost PHP200,000 were allegedly seized from them.
Frivaldo said all suspects are currently detained and charged with violation of the Republic Act 9166 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
