Patikul, Sulu — Eight individuals were arrested during a buy-bust operation that dismantled a drug den in Barangay Langhub, Patikul, Sulu on Thursday evening, October 2. The joint operation, spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Sulu Provincial Office, netted shabu, a firearm, and various drug paraphernalia.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects as:
- Aljimar Samri alias Bating, 35, businessman, from Pantao, Talipao
- Jimar Abdul Bayad alias Jim, 32, baker, from Kintaan, Talipao
- Nursali Radja Jakiron, 31, farmer, from Langhub, Patikul
- Makiki Sukarilo, 37, farmer, from Langhub, Patikul
- Sahiron Ajijar, 40, farmer, from Lumping Pigi, Daho, Talipao
- Albasir Hari, 22, farmer, from Bandang, Talipao
- Aljasir Lipad, 34, farmer, from Annuling, Patikul
- Padih Hamsiri, 23, farmer, from Lumbayao, Talipao
Confiscated from their possession were 10 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 21 grams, with a street value of ₱35,000 and a national valuation of ₱142,800. Authorities also seized one caliber .45 pistol with three magazines and 28 rounds of ammunition, a black Android cellphone, and several drug paraphernalia.
The suspects will face charges for violation of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, and 12 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 10591 for illegal possession of firearms.
The operation was conducted jointly by PDEA-Sulu with the support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Sulu Provincial Office, Patikul Municipal Police Station, 54th Special Action Company, 5th Special Action Battalion-Special Action Force, Regional Intelligence Unit IX, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st PMFC), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group IX, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, and the 35th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
PDEA-Sulu said the operation highlights the government’s continued effort to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and dismantle drug networks operating in the province.