February 17, Indanan, Sulu – A joint operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Sulu resulted in the arrest of 11 drug personalities in Barangay Kagay, Indanan, Sulu, at around 5:20 PM today. The operation was spearheaded by Agent Reaslie Calibo, the team leader from PDEA-Sulu.
Authorities also demolished a suspected drug den in the area as part of the crackdown on illegal drug activities.
The arrested suspects were identified as Alsid Umlah alias Alin, 45; Nelson Alibasa alias Son, 57; Bennajar Hajal alias Ben, 37; Alexander Isnani alias Alex, 52; Samuel Arani alias Sam, 31; Alkain Mahadul alias Al, 31; Mohammad Undin alias Moh, 44; Faizal Malang alias Fai, 35; Darwin Nanjahari alias Dar, 44; Alnasser Undin alias Al, 23; and Bouqaez Muharram alias Lyka, 32.
Confiscated from the suspects were three heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 10 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 68,000. Also seized were photocopied paper bills amounting to PHP 41,000, which served as buy-bust money, along with various drug paraphernalia and other pieces of evidence.
The suspects are now facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The successful operation was carried out with the cooperation of multiple law enforcement units, including the Philippine National Police (PNP) 54th Special Action Company, 5th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force led by PCAPT Romulo B. Aresta; PNP Sulu Provincial Police Office Provincial Intelligence Unit; PNP Regional Intelligence Unit IX; PNP 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, PMAJ Edwin Sapa and PLT Raphael Nicanor D. Hachuela; Criminal Investigation and Detection Group IX, PSSG Roger Hortillas; PNP Indanan Municipal Police Station, PMAJ Al-nashier Agil; National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, ACO Raul Derilo; 100IB, 1LT John Mark Ganancial of the Philippine Army, and Sulu Maritime Police Station, PMAJ Fritzie James L. Madrid.
Authorities emphasized their continued commitment to combating illegal drugs and ensuring the safety of communities in Sulu.