Cop, 3 cohorts fall in buy-bust; P13-M shabu seized


COTABATO CITY – A policeman and three companions yielded two kilos of suspected shabu worth P13 million in a buy-bust operation in Jolo, Sulu on Thursday, September 12.

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A POLICE officer and three companions were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Jolo, Sulu on Thursday, September 12.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region chief Gil Cesario Castro identified the suspects as Police Staff Sgt. Radja Ismula, 49, assigned to the Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office, and Andam M. Alidjam, 65; Midarmi S. Alidjam, 44, and, Rahsi Jallaw, 54.

The suspects were arrested after they sold at least two kilos of shabu to a PDEA undercover agent in Barangay San Raymundo.

Castro said the suspects who belong to a local drug group that transported the contraband from Tawi-Tawi to Jolo which serves as a drop-off point in their operations.

He said the suspects had been placed under surveillance following their involvement in illegal drug trafficking activities.

The PDEA official said they remain steadfast in their campaign against illegal drugs amid the involvement of public officials and members of law enforcement.

During his stint as PDEA-Soccsksargen head in 2017, agents raided the house of Mayor Aniceto Lopez Jr. in Maasim, Sarangani and seized some P5-million worth of shabu and firearms.

Lopez eluded arrest but later surrendered to then Sen. Manny Pacquiao.

A Regional Trial Court in Sarangani convicted Lopez early this year of drug-related cases.