American detained on drug charge

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police have captured a 46-year-old American allegedly fleeing to Malaysia for drug smuggling.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, regional police director, said Thomas James Papalla of Phoenix was on his way to Malaysia when intercepted by police in Isabela City, Basilan province.

A background check on Papalla showed he was wanted for transporting drugs in Naga City. Papalla is now detained at the Zamboanga City police office. —Julie Alipala