PDEA nabs drug supplier, 3 suspected members of drug group in Zamboanga City

MANILA, Philippines – Three suspected members of a drug group and one drug supplier were arrested in back-to-back operations in Zamboanga City last week, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Monday.

PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose Gutierrez Jr. said in a statement that a buy-bust operation on October 12 resulted in the arrest of three suspects identified as Jassem Lilang, 22, Mohammad Lilang, 30, and Joel Sergio, 24.

The three are suspected members of the Alih Drug Group that operated in Zamboanga City, Gutierrez said.

They had tried to escape in a Hyundai sedan (KFU 483) but PDEA agents managed to shoot the tires of the vehicle.

Methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” was recovered from the suspects in four medium-sized sachets, added Gutierrez.

Less than an hour after the suspects confessed to PDEA investigators, the alleged drug supplier of the suspects was arrested in Canela Moret Hotel and was identified as Nora Cabaro, 39 years old.

One plastic sachet of “shabu” was recovered from Cabaro and a motorcycle allegedly used for delivering drugs to her clients.

All four suspects are detained at the PDEA Regional Office 9 Detention Facility and are facing charges for possession of illegal drugs, selling illegal drugs, and conspiracy to sell illegal drugs, based on Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.