AT LEAST three kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P20.4 million was seized by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Negros Occidental from two travelers on board a roll-on, roll-off (roro) vessel at the Bredco Port in Bacolod City shortly after noontime Monday, January 24, 2022.

The PDEA identified the suspects as Aslanie Disomangcop Usman, 38, and Jalanie Mohammad Ambulo, 32.

The two claimed to be residents of Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, but based on their government identification cards, they are from Barangays 31 and Villamonte, Bacolod City, respectively.

PDEA-Negros Occidental’s Agent Bamboo said they were conducting a regular profiling and paneling in the sea port when their K-9 dogs detected the contraband wrapped with plastic and packing tape placed inside the compartment of the suspect’s vehicle.

Aside from the contraband, authorities also seized cellular phones and identification cards of the suspects.

The PDEA agent said they are still conducting further investigation to determine the background of the suspects, who are considered as high value individuals.

The suspects were traveling from Batangas going to Marawi and happened to pass by Bacolod City.

The roro vessel they were riding came from Dumangas Port in Iloilo City.

For his part, Usman denied owning the contraband and that he had no idea that there were illegal drugs placed in their vehicle’s compartment.

Usman, who refused to divulge further details, said he attended a wedding in Batangas along with his friend, Ambulo, and were about to go home to Marawi.

“I was shocked when they told us that there were illegal drugs inside our car. I even don’t know what shabu looks like. Even if they subject me to [drug] tests, I am negative,” he told SunStar Bacolod.

The suspects were detained at the custodial facility of PDEA-Negros Occidental in Bacolod City.

They will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Authorities are also validating where the illegal drugs are supposed to be brought, as well as its origin.

So far, this is the biggest amount of suspected shabu intercepted in the province’s seaport this year, the PDEA added.