17 suspects arrested; 215 grams shabu confiscated

DAGUPAN CITY – Lawmen led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency raided a drug den here resulting in the arrest of 17 suspects including two minors and the seizure of 215 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu on Feb. 15.

Around 215 grams of shabu worth P 1,720,000, assorted drug paraphernalia, several firearms and pieces of live ammunition were reportedly confiscated.

A PDEA press statement said the illegal drug facility and three other premises located in Sitio Tondaligan, Bonuan Gueset here were raided during simultaneous implementation of four search warrants under Operation Plan “Valentino”.

Combined operatives of PDEA Regional Office 1 (PDEA RO1) Pangasinan Special Enforcement Team (PSET), under director Jeoffrey Tacio, PDEA Special Enforcement Service, PDEA K-9 Unit, Dagupan and Pangasinan SWAT Teams, Pangasinan Provincial Police, the PNP Special Action Force, the Naval Intelligence and Security Group (NISG) and the Philippine Army, served the four search warrants.

Arrested were Saidame Macaisug and Iris Bernachea, alias Titeng Macaisug, believed to be the owners and operators of the drug den.

Visitors of the den, identified as Ahmad Sarip, Amanodino Sarip, Rayan Maabo, Akmad Sarip and Gabby Wadia, were also arrested during the search.

Also apprehended during the operation were FizalSumangan, alias Bukare, 29, and Misbah Sumangan alias Singke, 23, both target-listed drug personalities; Noraniah Bagul,18; Mansawi Benito, 24; Sophia Ampuan, 18; Jamal Macabantog, 24; James Ato Dornado, 24; Abolkair Sumangan,19; and two minors, aged 16 and 17 years old. They were found in possession of dangerous drugs and paraphernalia.

The 17 suspects are at present held at the Dagupan City Police Station.

Cases for illegal drugs were filed in court against them.

The two minors are now under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.