PDEA files charges vs 5 alleged members of drug syndicate

PDEA chief Aaron Aquino INQUIRER.net / Jhoanna Ballaran

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced on Tuesday the filing of drug trafficking charges against suspected members of a drug syndicate that yielded P5-million worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said Sahari Sabturanio, 37, has been charged for the sale of illegal drugs and conspiracy to sell illegal drugs, which are in violations of Republic Act 9165 or the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.”

Aquino said the same charges have been filed against Ryan Rajan, 30; Kizzie Rajan, 30; Gasi Hadjirul, 42; and Albajir Sanny, 25, who were identified as accomplices following a buy-bust operation.

Aquino said PDEA operatives nabbed Sabturanio, alias “Dante Solaiman,” and his alleged cohorts during a buy-bust operation on December 2, Saturday. He identified Sabturanio as a watch-listed drug personality and alleged member of Kubal Drug Group.

About 20 pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing alleged shabu weighing more or less one kilogram and valued at P5 million, one Ford Ranger, one motorcycle and the boodle money used in the buy-bust operation were confiscated from the suspects, Aquino said. /jpv