PDEA-Armm collars couple in anti-drug ops

COTABATO CITY – Anti-narcotics agents in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Sunday arrested a couple during anti-drug operation in Maguindanao.

Juvenal Azurin, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency - ARMM director, said narcotics operatives backed by police from Datu Odin Sinsuat (DOS) municipal police office, conducted an early morning drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Semba, DOS, which led to the arrest of Abdul Giolo and his wife Maricel.

Azurin said operatives seized five sachets of shabu worth PhP50, 000 and an unlicensed .45-caliber pistol.

He noted that the couple had been placed by PDEA-ARMM under surveillance for more than two months prior to the buy-bust operation at 6 a.m. Sunday.

The couple is operating a motorcycle parts shop, which allegedly served as front in their peddling of prohibited drugs.

“After our undercover agents confirmed that the couple is selling prohibited stuff, we conducted the buy-bust operation,” Azurin said.

The couple did not resist arrest, but denied involvement in illegal drugs.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives) are being prepared against the suspects now detained at PDEA-ARMM lock up cell.

The suspects were the first persons involved in illegal drugs neutralized by PDEA-ARMM for 2018.