A SUSPECTED big-time drug dealer was arrested, while some P6.5 million worth of shabu was seized in a joint anti-drug operation in the province of Lanao del Norte, officials said Friday, June 28, 2019.
Lieutenant Colonel Bernardo Taqueban, Army's 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander, identified the arrested drug dealer as Jalil Akil alias Malik Linog, who was nabbed in a drug bust around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in West Poblacion, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.
Seized from Akil was a kilo of substance believed to be shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with an estimated value of P6.5 million and 13 bundles of boodle money topped with two genuine P1,000 bills as marked money.
The drug bust was carried out by joint elements of 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) personnel from Northern Mindanao and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm), and policemen.
"The success of the operation can be attributed to the close collaboration between and among the different law enforcement agencies in the campaign against illegal drugs," Taqueban said, citing they are always ready to assist in any joint law enforcement and security operations to ensure the security and protection of the communities.
"Proper coordination among law enforcement units and timely execution greatly helped our forces in the successful conduct of the operation," added Brigadier General Ezra James Enriquez, Army's 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade commander.
Major General Roberto Ancan, Army's 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops involved for the successful Joint Law Enforcement Support Operation.
"We thank the concerned residents of Balo-i for the timely information relayed to our troops which led to the success of our operations," Ancan said, as he assured that they will work doubly hard in order to sustain the gains in peace and development efforts in this part of Western Mindanao. (SunStar Philippines)