BONGAO, Tawi-Tawi — A joint anti-drug operation involving the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and Philippine Marines resulted in the seizure of approximately three kilograms of suspected shabu worth ₱20.4 million and the arrest of an alleged drug dealer following a pursuit involving a speedboat in Barangay Pababag, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The arrested suspect was identified as Sheid-Akmad Basa Abdullah, also known by the alias “Bradel,” who allegedly attempted to evade arrest by escaping aboard a small, high-speed watercraft after an entrapment operation turned violent.
Local executives and members of the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Peace and Order Council, chaired by Governor Ysmael Sali, separately reported the operation on Tuesday, confirming the suspect’s eventual apprehension after police personnel pursued him with assistance from local government and barangay officials.
According to reports, the operation was jointly carried out by two agents of PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-BARMM), including Kenneth Verador and Tawi-Tawi team leader Abraham Kalim, together with personnel from the Tawi-Tawi Provincial Police Office and troops of the Philippine Navy’s 4th Marine Rifle Battalion.
PDEA-BARMM Director George Paul Alcovindas said the operation was launched following intelligence reports from local executives and Muslim community leaders concerning the alleged large-scale distribution of shabu in Tawi-Tawi.
The operation was intended to intercept the suspected drug transaction in Barangay Pababag and apprehend those allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade.
However, the arrest reportedly escalated when Abdullah and three companions allegedly drew firearms and fired at the PDEA agents and police officers as authorities moved to arrest them after the suspected sale.
The group then attempted to flee using a small but fast-moving boat, prompting a pursuit by law enforcement personnel.
Abdullah was eventually cornered and arrested following a brief chase, with assistance from municipal and barangay officials in Bongao. Authorities have since placed him in a detention facility as he awaits court proceedings.
He is expected to face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The seizure of approximately three kilograms of suspected shabu, valued at ₱20.4 million, represents a significant drug interdiction in the province, where authorities have been responding to intelligence reports of large-scale narcotics distribution.
The operation also underscored the role of coordination between national law enforcement agencies, military personnel, local executives and community leaders in identifying and responding to suspected illegal drug activities.
Authorities have yet to establish through court proceedings the suspect’s criminal liability. The allegations against Abdullah remain subject to judicial determination.