PDEA arrests three drug dealers linked to terror groups

On Tuesday, July 29, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives arrested three drug dealers, one linked to two terror groups, in separate operations in Pahamuddin town and General Santos City.

The first suspect, a 53-year-old male shabu trafficker with connections to Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom fighters, was arrested during an entrapment operation in Pahamuddin town where he sold PHP34,000 worth of shabu along with an MK2 grenade, a .45 caliber pistol, and an improvised 5.56 millimeter revolver.

In the second operation, PDEA-12 agents arrested a 31-year-old woman from Lumbayanague town in Lanao del Sur and her 47-year-old male accomplice after selling them PHP714,000 worth of shabu in General Santos City.

PDEA-BARMM Director Gil Cesario Castro highlighted the significance of these arrests for hitting multiple targets: drug peddling, illegal firearm possession, and links to terror groups. The operations were conducted with assistance from the Army's 34th Infantry Battalion and local police units.

Castro emphasized the commitment to work alongside security sectors to protect youth and people from illegal drugs and firearms, stressing the importance of enforcing laws such as RA 9165 which strengthens regulations against illegal weapons and explosive devices.