MANILA, Philippines--Agents of the national Bureau of Investigation arrested the other day nine people, including the alleged leader of a big-time drug syndicate, during a raid on a suspected drug den in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Arnold Siguen alias Sonny Boy, 43, was arrested in his house on Elias Street, Sta. Cruz, at around 5 p.m. Saturday. The alleged drug gang leader was charged with violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002) in the Manila Prosecutor's Office.

Armed with a search warrant issued by Manila Executive Judge Reynaldo Ros, NBI agents swooped down on Siguen's house where they found at least 44 plastic sachets containing metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu and various drug paraphernalia.

Authorities also arrested the suspect's brother, Jeric, after he tried to prevent the raiding team from arresting Siguen. He faces charges of violating Presidential Decree 1829 (obstruction of justice).

Roel Bolivar, chief of the NBI Reaction, Arrest and Interdiction office which led the operation in cooperation with the bureau's anti-illegal drugs task force, said seven more people believed to be drug runners were also arrested.

Bolivar added that the raid was prompted by complaints from residents in the community about Siguen's alleged drug operations. According to residents, the suspect sold drugs and allowed buyers to use his house as a drug den.

Apart from Siguen, the NBI was also looking for a certain Monette, said to be a drug pusher in the area. However, Monette managed to elude arrest.