PDEA seizes P1M worth of shabu in buy-bust op in Marawi

Anti-drug operatives seized P1 million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, in a buy-bust operation in the war-torn city of Marawi, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) disclosed on Thursday.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said the agency’s operatives as well as local police units in Mindanao confiscated two pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu.

The drugs weighed approximately 200 grams, with an estimated value of P1 million, Aquino said.

A drug personality was arrested during the operation while his cohort had evaded authorities.

“The operation also led to the arrest of one Arab Malawani Macaombang, while his cohort, Marco Magaong Cabugatan, eluded arrest,” Aquino said in a statement.

Aside from the suspected shabu, authorities seized from the suspects one mobile phone, two identification cards, two motorcycles, and the buy-bust money.

The suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the PDEA chief said. /ee