P20 million shabu seized in Sulu sting

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Three kilos of shabu with an estimated street value of P20.4 million have been seized from a suspect following a sting in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday, authorities reported yesterday.

Ejik Ali Abdulhalim, 44, was arrested after he sold the illegal drugs to undercover agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Barangay Walled City.

Authorities said Abdulhalim was placed under surveillance before the sting was conducted.

Seized from the suspect were three kilos of shabu wrapped in packages of imported tea and two phones, according to Juvenal Azurin, chief of PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The volume of drugs was the largest recovery among the recent operations conducted so far by the PDEA.

Authorities are verifying Abdulhalim’s alleged link with a group that killed former Jolo police chief Lt. Col. Walter Annayo in Maguindanao last year.

Annayo was known for his extensive anti-drug campaign in Jolo as well as in Maguindanao where he was transfered in August.

Based on the way the illegal drugs were packed and concealed, Azurin expressed belief the shabu came from an Asia-based drug ring.

Abdulhalim will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, Azurin said.