KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — A known drug suspect in North Cotabato was arrested after police seized a firearm and several sachets of suspected shabu during the implementation of a warrant of arrest in Kidapawan City, authorities said.
Operatives of the Cotabato Provincial Police Office (CPPO) and the Kidapawan City Police Station arrested Jomar Nomo, a panday (blacksmith) and resident of Sitio Lumayong, Barangay Kiyaga, Kabacan, Cotabato, at a construction site along Navarra Road, Barangay Magsaysay, where he was working at the time of his arrest.
Police recovered one caliber of firearm, five large sachets, and two small sachets of suspected shabu from the suspect. Nomo is facing charges for violation of Section 11 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and was identified by authorities as a notorious drug pusher operating in North Cotabato.
The discovery of illegal drugs and a firearm during the arrest prompted police to also take into custody six other individuals present at the construction site, including the owner of the apartment building under construction, for further investigation.
All suspects are currently under the custody of the Kidapawan City Police, as authorities continue to establish the identities of those arrested and determine their possible involvement in illegal drug activities and firearms violations.
Police said a deeper investigation is ongoing as part of intensified efforts to dismantle drug networks and curb the proliferation of illegal drugs and loose firearms in the province.