P8.1-million shabu seized in Lanao Sur, Zamboanga City

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines — Anti-narcotics agents seized a P8.1 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu in separate drug stings in Wao town here and Zamboanga City over the weekend.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confiscated Thursday P6.8 million worth of shabu from Amrodin Alan Bantog, a suspected member of the Islamic State-inspired Maute terror group.

Local officials told reporters that Bantog remitted a fraction of his earnings to the Maute terror group, now under Owaida Marohombsar, also known as Abu Dar.

The officials added that the Maute group provides sanctuary to drug dealers in areas where it operates in exchange for money.

Meanwhile, the police seized P1.3 million worth of shabu from a suspect at a coastal village in Zamboanga City.

Jimmy Sahibol, alias Jim, 23, was arrested at his hideout in Sitio Sibigtul by PDEA and local police.

Chief Superintendent Emmanuel Luis Licup, regional police director, said they have confiscated almost three kilos of shabu in the last three months.