One kilo of suspected Shabu seized at Task Force Davao checkpoint

DAVAO CITY — Authorities intercepted over one kilo of suspected shabu at the Task Force Davao (TF-Davao) Checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan at around 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025.

The illegal drugs, valued at approximately ₱6.93 million, were confiscated from a Navarra pick-up truck (license plate number NI 7339A) that was about to enter the city.

A joint team from the Toril Police Station and TF-Davao flagged down the pick-up truck for a mandatory inspection. Davao City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan identified the arrested suspects as Mejan Karah Irilis, 46 – a resident of Barangay Tubangan, Zamboanga City, and Abben Sala Ganih, 32,  a helper from Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.

During the routine check, authorities noticed the suspicious behavior of the suspects. Their nervous demeanor and evasive responses raised suspicions, prompting police to further inspect a sealed carton inside the vehicle.

When questioned about the box’s contents, Irilis and Ganih denied any knowledge of what was inside.

Marantan said the operatives narrated to him that instead of providing a direct answer, the driver allegedly attempted to bribe one of the checkpoint personnel, saying, “Eto sarge, pangkain niyo” (Here, sarge, eat your food). However, CAA Salem immediately rejected the bribe and alerted PCpl Tancio, who ordered the suspects to leave the vehicle for further inspection.

Despite multiple orders to exit the vehicle, the suspects rolled down their windows but refused to comply. The driver then attempted to obstruct the checkpoint, prompting PCpl Tancio to execute the arrest and inform them of their constitutional rights.

Upon opening the carton, authorities discovered 1.02 kilos of suspected shabu along with 84 pieces of ₱200 bills.

The two suspects are currently detained at the Toril Police Station while police are preparing charges for violations of:

Section 5 (Sale, Trading, Administration, Dispensation, Delivery, Distribution, and Transportation of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or Agents of a Person in Authority) of the Revised Penal Code.