GOVERNMENT agents arrested five people, including two minors, as they dismantled a drug den in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, an official said Saturday, October 12.

Lawyer Jacqueline De Guzman, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director, the suspects were arrested in a drug bust around 11 p.m. Thursday at Purok Malipayon in Buluan Village, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

De Guzman identified the arrested adult suspects as Abduraham Alam, drug den maintainer; Ronal Lumayag, drug den co-maintainer; and Arnel Tomarong.

She said the three, together with two other suspects who are minors, were caught in possession of some 20 grams of suspected “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) worth P136,000, illegal drug paraphernalia, P500 marked money, and P2,100 cash of different denomination believed to be as proceeds in the sale of illegal drugs.

She said the drug bust was launched by a joint team of PDEA agents and policemen after days of surveillance on the activities of the suspects.

They will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, De Guzaman said. (SunStar Zamboanga)