Notorious drug group falls

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - Members of a notorious drug group known to operate in Zambales province were arrested by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region III (PDEA-3) during the implementation of search warrants on Wednesday.

According to PDEA-3 Regional Director Gil Pabilona, the “Omar Drug Group” is known to have major involvement in the proliferation of illegal drugs in Subic and other nearby towns in Zambales.

During the operation launched in Purok 6-B Muslim Area, Barangay Calapacuan in Subic, Pabilona said they were able to arrest members of the said group identified as Sarah L. Salaman, 36; Norissa S. Asandi, 24; Ritchie S. Asandi, 34; Randany T. Tiamsing, 40; and Quezon S. Udjali, 24.

“Prior to the implementation of three search warrants, joint elements of PDEA3, Zambales Provincial Intelligence Branch and SWAT-Regional Mobile Force Branch conducted a drug sting in the said area which signaled the simultaneous raids and arrest of other 15 drug personalities”, he said.

Pabilona further disclosed that out of the 20 arrested during the consecutive operations, 13 drug personalities were found positive during the drug test, seven others were negative.

The series of high impact operations yielded about 60 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu with an estimated street value of P500,000, and various drug paraphernalia.

The suspects are now detained in PDEA Jail Facility in Diosdado Macapagal Government Center, Barangay Maimpis, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. Violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002 is being readied for filing in