Alleged drug trader nabbed at Iligan City checkpoint

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged drug trader who was to “transport” P1.5-million worth of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” to Iligan City was intercepted at a checkpoint set up in the city, a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) official said Friday.

In a belated report, PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr. said Abdulmanan “Puro” Mapandi, 25, was arrested by authorities last Tuesday after being found in possession of 46 plastic sachets of shabu weighing 250 grams.

Cacdac said the checkpoint was set up along Mariano Badelles Street, Poblacion, Iligan City around 9:30 a.m. after authorities received a report that a certain Mapandi was on his way from Marawi City on board a stolen pick-up truck and was transporting shabu.

“A few meters away from the checkpoint, Mapandi got off his vehicle and tried to flee, but the operatives were able to subdue him after a brief foot chase,” Cacdac said.

Assorted bank deposit slips and P31,880 cash were also recovered from Mapandi, said to be among PDEA’s list of Regional Drug Personalities.

Cacdac said Mapandi would be facing charges for violation of Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II, of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Cacdac lauded the joint efforts of PDEA agents and members of the Philippine National Police for the successful operation.

“The continuing inter-agency cooperation and coordination with other local law enforcement agencies have greatly contributed to the success of PDEA’s anti-illegal drug operations,” he said.

Cacdac, who retired as the PNP’s Number 2 official, took his oath of office in Malacanang Tuesday as PDEA’s chief, replacing Jose Gutierrez Jr.

In a separate statement, Cacdac said that among his priorities upon his assumption would be to coordinate with other drug law enforcement agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs, PNP, and Armed Forces of the Philippines, to unify efforts in the fight against illegal drugs.

“We need to help each other. What I feel is the need for a holistic approach to counter the drug problem. We need more consultations, coordination and cooperation to find solutions to problems related to drugs,” the new PDEA chief added.