PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Four people, including a policeman and barangay councilor, were arrested and PHP3.4 million worth of suspected shabu were seized in an anti-drug operation here on Friday.
Agent Cesario Judilla Jr., Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Zamboanga del Sur head, identified the arrested suspects as Police Senior Master Sgt. Ricky Usman Sabturani of the Basilan Police Provincial Office and Omar Sadon, a councilor in Barangay Bayanga Norte, Matanog, Maguindanao.
Judilla identified the other suspects as Jam Macaraya, Daniel Kusain, and Amis Juma Anas.
He said the suspects were arrested after they allegedly sold suspected shabu to an undercover agent around 10 a.m. along the national highway in San Jose District.
He said the PDEA agents and policemen recovered from the suspects 18 large sachets containing suspected shabu and nine bundles of marked money worth PHP900,000.
Sadon denied any knowledge and involvement in the illegal drug trade, claiming he was just hired to drive the other suspects from Maguindanao to the city.
Sadon, the driver of the van (DAK-1806), claimed the other suspects told him to proceed and pick-up “someone” at the Integrated Bus Terminal.
Sabturani also denied involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Judilla said appropriate criminal and administrative charges will be filed against the policeman and his companions. -PNA
