Isabela City, Basilan – May 11, 2025 — Authorities seized an estimated Php6.8 million worth of suspected shabu in a successful anti-drug operation conducted on Saturday morning in Barangay Port Area, Isabela City.
The buy-bust operation, which took place at around 8:30 a.m., was the result of a coordinated effort among the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Zamboanga City Office (PDEA ZCO), the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 (RDEU9), and the Isabela City Police Station.
The suspect, identified as Ibnoraba Asamli Saddalani, alias “Abu,” a 38-year-old male vendor and resident of Barangay Lawe-Lawe, Lantawan, was apprehended during the sting.
Recovered from Saddalani was approximately 1,000 grams of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with an estimated street value of Php6,800,000. Authorities also confiscated a green and white striped paper bag marked “BENCH,” one black Honda Beat motorcycle with ignition key, and the marked buy-bust money used during the operation.
Saddalani is facing charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the sale of illegal drugs.
Law enforcement officials said the operation was part of the government’s continuing efforts to curb illegal drug activities in the region.