BUSTED. The suspected drug peddler sits with his face covered as police account for the suspected shabu, valued at PHP6.8 million, seized from him during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Tuesday afternoon (July 23, 2024). The suspect, Morsalen Tantong, claimed he was unaware his companions carried illegal drugs as he only served as their driver. (Photo from Ebs Abang/DXMY)
DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao Sur – Police arrested here Tuesday afternoon an alleged high-value target during a drug buy-bust operation and seized from him suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP6.8 million.
Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, Sultan Kudarat municipal police station chief, said the suspect, Morsalon Tantong, 31, first transacted with an undercover agent for the trade-off in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat.
“However, the suspect moved the transaction venue to Barangay Awang in Datu Odin Sinsuat town at 4 p.m.,” Madin said in an interview Wednesday.
The suspect, who hails from Zamboanga del Sur, did not resist arrest.
“We confiscated high-grade shabu from the suspect, weighing about a kilo,” Madin said. “Two of his companions managed to elude arrest, leaving him inside the car.”
He said a police asset had successfully transacted with the suspect in the past, making him a high-value target.
Currently detained at the Sultan Kudarat municipal lock-up, the suspect is facing charges of violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
