P6.8-million shabu seized from couple in Lanao del Norte town

ILIGAN CITY  – Authorities seized an estimated P6.8-million worth of shabu from a couple during a drug buy-bust in the Lanao del Norte town of Sultan Naga Dimaporo Friday afternoon, a police official said.

Lt. Anthony Paderanga, Sultan Naga Dimaporo police chief, identified the couple as Jamalodin Musa Odin and Asna Minalang Odin.

Paderanga said the Odins were arrested by a team of the police, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the Army’s Fifth Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sigayan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo.

Authorities also seized the fake bust money worth P2.8 million, and the motorcycle allegedly used by the couple in transporting the drugs.

Using the cellular phone seized from the suspects, Paderanga said authorities are now investigating the couple's sources of illegal drugs.

Paderanga said Jamalodin was an active member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, and a drug surrenderer of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) "Oplan Tokhang" in 2016.

“We learned that this is their second transaction worth a million peso. And if they were successful in this transaction, they were promised to be given the commission of P100,000,” Paderanga said.

The couple, who are now in the custody of the police, is facing charges for violation of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.