PDEA to go after suspected narco-terrorists

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Security forces have intensified their campaign against suspected members of narco-terrorist groups and big-time drug financiers operating in Central Mindanao region.

Cesario Gil Castro, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director, said PDEA agents backed by police and military operatives swooped down early dawn Wednesday on the stronghold of suspected members of Ansar-Al Khilafah Philippines in the towns of Maasim and Kiamba in Sarangani which resulted in the seizure of some R35 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride “shabu” worth R175,000 and several explosives.

Castro said government forces, armed with search warrants, conducted simultaneously raids on the residential houses of Marife Maguid, the alleged wife of slain AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba which resulted in the seizure of some 20 grams of shabu worth R100,000, one rifle grenade, blasting caps and personal belongings.

However, the suspect managed to elude arrest.

The raiding team launched subsequent raids on the residence of another suspected AKP member, Norodin Lawas in Barangay Kanalo, Maasim which led to the confiscation of some 15 grams of “shabu” worth R75,000, and a fragmentation grenade.

The suspect managed to escape again before the raiding team arrived in the area.

PDEA has filed charges for illegal possession of prohibited drugs and explosives against the two suspects who are now being hunted by the authorities.

Castro said PDEA has also trained its gun on local trading companies which serve as fronts in the illegal drug trade.

He said their office has sought the help of the Anti-Money Laundering Council to help in the financial probe involving local businessmen who serve as financiers of big-time drug syndicates.