Cotabato City—In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, Drug Enforcement Officers from the PDEA Tawi-Tawi Provincial Office, in collaboration with the 51st Special Action Company Philippine National Police Special Action Force, Bongao Municipal Police Station, and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency BARMM, successfully conducted a buy-bust operation on September 4, 2024. The operation led to the dismantling of a drug den and the arrest of its maintainer and two accomplices in Brgy. Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
Dir. Gil Cesario P. Castro expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support and commended all the operating units and the LGU Bongao for their relentless efforts. He highlighted that the closure of the drug den significantly disrupted the distribution of illegal drugs in the area, potentially saving many lives.
During the operation, authorities confiscated and recovered seven heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as Shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱68,000.00. Additionally, buy-bust money, various drug paraphernalia, a mobile phone, and identification cards were seized.
The suspects apprehended were identified as Albert Aliudjin Askalani, also known as Al, the drug den maintainer; Nurainie M. Ilahan, also known as Nur; and Benhar Sali Salip Rajid, also known as Ben. The trio are currently detained at Bongao Municipal Police Station and are awaiting inquest proceedings for violations of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
This successful operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the illegal drug trade and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
SOURCE: PDEA BARMM
