By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified efforts to track down the syndicate responsible for the recovery of 67 kilograms of suspected shabu worth PHP455.6 million following a major anti-narcotics operation in Zamboanga City.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the operation was a significant blow against illegal drug trafficking and underscored the importance of sustained intelligence work and inter-agency coordination.
“This is a significant accomplishment in our campaign against illegal drugs because we have prevented a substantial volume of dangerous substances from reaching our communities,” said Nartatez in a statement.
“More than the value of the seized drugs, what matters is the lives we may have saved and the harm we would have prevented had they been distributed not only in Mindanao but across the country,” he added.
A joint operation by the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) resulted in the confiscation of approximately 67 kilos of crystal meth in Barangay Mercedes, Zamboanga City on Wednesday.
Four suspects were arrested during the buy-bust operation conducted under “Coplan Shadow Ice”. Those apprehended were identified as Sabirin Alisan, 57; Shermahal Halisan, 42; Jul-Asbi Asakil, 56; and Abu-Darda Abdulhaih, 33.
Operatives initially seized around two kilograms of suspected shabu during the actual transaction at 4:52 p.m. in Barangay Mercedes.
A subsequent search of the target area yielded another 65 kilos of the illegal substance, with the total estimated standard drug price of the confiscated narcotics reaching PHP455.6 million.
“I have directed our concerned units to pursue the investigation beyond the four arrested suspects and establish the entire chain behind this illegal drug operation. We must identify the sources, financiers, distributors, and other personalities involved so that we can dismantle the network, not just intercept its products,” Nartatez said.
The PNP chief ordered concerned police units to coordinate closely with PDEA and other law enforcement agencies in tracing the origin, financing, distribution routes, and intended recipients of the seized contraband.
Authorities recovered cellular phones, identification cards, a weighing scale, a vehicle, and other items believed to be connected to the illegal activity.
The suspects face charges for violations of Sections 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) and 11 (possession of dangerous drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Nartatez commended the operating teams for the successful execution of the mission and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration among law enforcement agencies. (PNA)
