AUTHORITIES have arrested a sexagenarian and seized P93,800 worth of shabu in an anti-drug operation in the province of Tawi-Tawi, the police reported Monday, August 29.
The Tawi-Tawi Police Provincial Office (TTPPO) identified the suspect as Nelma Balal, 65, who was nabbed Saturday, August 27, in a community store (Sari-Sari) in Poblacion village, Sitangkai town.
Before her arrest, the police of Sitangkai town received report that Balal, who owns and manages a community store, is selling illegal drugs to customers in her establishment.
The police said that it was confirmed during surveillance operations that Balal had been using her community store as the front for her illegal drug activities, thus she was nabbed.
Recovered from the suspect were 13.8 grams of shabu worth P93,800.
Police said the suspect will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, Police Brigadier General John Guyguyon, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region director, lauded the TTPPO's successive tenacious police response against the illegal drug trade and unlawful activities in the province, which he said contributed to peace and order being maintained in the community. (SunStar Zamboanga)