P21.76M worth of shabu seized in Zamboanga City drug busts

ZAMBOANGA CITY — More than 3 kilos of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” with estimated commercial value of P21.76 million were seized in two separate anti-illegal drugs operations here.

Police Major Elmer Solon, commander of the Zamboanga City Police Central Station said, the two buy-bust operations also resulted in the arrest of five drug personalities allegedly involved in large-scale drug deals.

On Sunday morning, February 24, around 7:50 a.m., 1.2 kilograms of suspected shabu was seized from Sofia Caddabin Ibno and Medson Kalim at Uranus Street, Dulaca Drive in Barangay Tumaga, according to police.

Solon said the drugs have an estimated commercial value of P8.16 million.

The drug bust was conducted by joint units of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Zamboanga City Police Office, intelligence operatives, and the city’s Police Station 11.

Caddabin and Kalim were charged for violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act (RA) 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

On Friday afternoon, February 22, three persons were also arrested in possession of 2 kilograms of suspected shabu with estimated commercial value of P13.6 million.

Solon said Nursibar Musa Ekong aka Jamal, Tupay Hailil Kali, and Gajier Tawasi Ahmad were arrested in front of Plaza Pershing, just few steps away from the Zamboanga City Hall, carrying the said prohibited substance.

Three bundles of boodle money in P1,000 denominations as well as several paper bags were recovered from the drug suspects.

The trio were also charged with violating RA 9165. /kga