Drug group leader nabbed, P5.8-M shabu seized in Pangasinan
2024-Sep-29 08:00
BUSTED. Authorities process a drug dealer (left) following his arrest in Barangay Telbang, Bayambang, Pangasinan on Friday (Sept. 27, 2024). The suspect yielded P5.8 million worth of suspected shabu. (PNA/PRO-1)
MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – Authorities arrested an identified top drug leader in Pangasinan and seized P5.8 million worth of suspected shabu in an operation in Barangay Telbang, Bayambang town.
In a phone interview Saturday, Ilocos Police Regional Office information office chief Lt. Col. Benigno Sumawang said alias "Nakila" was arrested by virtue of several warrants of arrest and a search warrant for drug-related cases on Friday.
Confiscated from the suspect were 860 grams of shabu.
"The arrested suspect is a 47-year-old high-value individual and regional top priority target. He is a leader of the Alikan Drug Group operating in the province," Sumawang said.
In a separate interview, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Pangasinan Director Retchie Camacho said the drug group was first identified in 2015 while Nakila was still residing in Dagupan City.
"He disappeared or maybe laid low from the scene with his group following the drug war under President Rodrigo Duterte's administration," he said, adding that the suspect was later monitored continuing his activities in Bayambang.
"The arrest aids in the supply-reduction in the campaign against illegal drugs in the province," Camacho said. (PNA)