By Joseph Jubelag
NORTH COTABATO- Government anti-narcotics operatives dismantled on Wednesday a local drug syndicate operating in the province following the arrest of two drug ring members in a drug bust operation in Alamada town.
Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), backed by soldiers from the 34th Infantry Battalion, arrested the suspects, Ali Adapan and Usman Selangan who yielded some 100 grams of ‘shabu’ worth P700,000, and several high-powered firearms during the anti-drug operation conducted in Barangay Guiling, Alamada town.
PDEA Regional Director Naravy Duquiatan said the alleged leader of the local drug group, identified as Pilong Selangan, managed to evade arrest during the drug sting operation.
She said the arresting team also seized three caliber.30 Garand rifles, four caliber-5.56 M16 rifles an improvised M79 grenade launcher with ammunition, handheld radios and a cellular phone.
Authorities said that, aside from illegal drug trade, the suspects were also involved in gun-running activities.
Charges for selling and possession of illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms have been filed against the arrested suspects.
PDEA operatives have launched manhunt operations against Selangan.