Jolo, Sulu – In a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal drugs, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Sulu Provincial Office, in collaboration with various law enforcement units, successfully confiscated illegal drugs worth ₱20,400,000 and arrested two suspects during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, at 6:00 p.m. on November 22, 2024.
The operation led to the arrest of Sherwin Hapasain Talib, 39, a former barangay chairman, and Sali Salim Tating, 58, also known as Kael. However, a third suspect, identified as Wilnor Abduhalim, also known as Hadji, managed to escape after sensing the presence of operatives.
Confiscated Items
Authorities recovered the following during the operation:
- Three golden packs with Chinese tea bags labeled “GUAN YIN WANG,” containing approximately three kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (Shabu).
- Buy-bust money
- Two mobile phones
- Various identification cards
The confiscated illegal drugs are estimated to have a standard drug price of ₱20,400,000.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
The arrested suspects are currently under the custody of the Jolo Municipal Police Station and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Coordinated Efforts
The operation was made possible through the joint efforts of multiple agencies, including:
- 5th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Company, Special Action Force
- Sulu Police Provincial Office (SPPO) Provincial Intelligence Unit
- National Intelligence Central Agency, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (NICA BARMM)
- Jolo Municipal Police Station
- Regional Intelligence Unit IX (RIU IX)
- 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies (PMFC)
- Criminal Investigation and Detection Group IX (CIDG IX)
- Sulu Maritime Group
This successful operation underscores the dedication of PDEA and its partner agencies in curbing illegal drug activities in the region. Efforts are ongoing to locate and apprehend the third suspect, Wilnor Abduhalim.
This development sends a strong message about the government’s commitment to addressing illegal drugs and safeguarding the community.