Filipino drugs gang financially supporting Abu Sayyaf Group busted

Nine suspects are nabbed in the entrapment operation in Sulu province.

Mugshots of nine suspected members of a drug syndicate who allegedly shared earnings with the Abu Sayyaf terror group busted in Sulu province. (Bangsamoro region police pic)

SULU: Philippine police said they busted a gang Monday (July 3) who allegedly peddled illegal drugs and shared their earnings with the Abu Sayyaf terror group in the southern island province of Sulu. 

Bangsamoro region police chief Brig. Gen. Allan C. Nobleza said in a statement Wednesday the nine members of the group were caught in an entrapment operation in Kasanyangan Village, Barangay Asturias, in the provincial capital Jolo.

The arrested suspects were identified as Warlito Edjung Dela Cruz @ Litou, Jai Ahadain Majung @ Jai, Shakir-Nasif Pawah Hayudini @ Shak, Aldrin Parahis Alih, Abdul-Ajim Isnirul Sangkula, Abdulnajir Pala Hajan, Rashid Hajihil Aggih, Nadzmier Dampal Indanan @ Nadz and Ronie Boy Aladja Sabturani. 

The police confiscated from their possession 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected meth weighing 15 grams worth 102,000 Philippine pesos, one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing suspected meth weighing 0.250 gram worth 1,700.00 pesos, four plastic sachets containing residue of suspected meth, one 500 pesos paper bill (the entrapment money), drug-taking paraphernalia, 420-pesos cash money in different denominations and other pieces of evidence. 

The arrested drug suspects will face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and are now in the custody of Jolo police.

Nobleza commended the operatives' efforts in apprehending the alleged drug peddlers and urged the public to continue supporting the government's nation-building efforts, particularly in the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality.