Entrapment leads to arrest of drug suspect, seizure of P3.4M in meth

Jordan Rakim, 38, bows his head as PDEA agents inventory the meth seized from him during an entrapment operation in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Wednesday (June 10). PDEA PHOTO

COTABATO CITY—Law enforcers on Wednesday (June 10) arrested a suspected drug dealer in Maguindanao province and seized some P3.4 million worth of shabu or crystal meth.

Juvenal Azurin, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Bangsamoro region, identified the suspect as Jordan Rakim, 38, of Datu Anggal town.

Azurin said Rakim transacted with an undercover agent who was buying some P1.7 million in meth. The sale was to be consummated at the village of Pingguiaman in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

The transaction took place past noon on Wednesday, according to Azurin with Rakim taking a pile of “boodle money” consisting of one genuine P1,000 bill and photocopies of P1,000 bills.

After handing over 250 grams in meth to the undercover agent, Rakim, who was driving a van-for-hire as a cover, took off.

He was flagged down at a checkpoint in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, along the national highway.

Seized from Rakim were packs of crystal meth weighing 250 grams.

The shabu haul totaled 500 grams in 11 plastic packs.

Rakim is now in the custody of the PDEA in Cotabato City while awaiting charges.

Edited by TSB