TNVS rider, companion busted for drugs in Quezon City

This photo shows the seized illegal drugs and other items from Ali Salim, an Angkas rider, and Alsamer Yusop in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City on Sunday, September 8, 2019. A PDEA official said the two have been under surveillance for almost three weeks. (Photo from PDEA)

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspected drug pushers, including a transport network vehicle service (TNVS) rider, have been caught in possession of illegal drugs in a buy-bust operation in Quezon City.

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), suspects Ali Salim, 28, a registered Angkas driver; and Alsamer Yusop, 19, both Manila residents, were arrested by combined elements of PDEA’s Regional Office in Metro Manila (PDEA RO-NCR) and police officers from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Drug Enforcement Unit.

PDEA RO-NCR officer-in-charge George Paul Alcovindas said the two were arrested along Kanlaon Street in Barangay Sta. Teresita after transacting with an undercover PDEA agent.

“The suspects were placed under surveillance for almost three weeks,” Alcovindas said in a statement.

Authorities seized from the suspects a plastic bag containing around 50 grams of shabu or crystalized meth, estimated to be worth P340,000.

PDEA said the suspects will face charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as well as resisting arrest and direct assault for the two allegedly fought with arresting officers to evade being captured.

Salim and Yusop were held at PDEA’s detention facility. /kga