By Sam Ramos
In a coordinated operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies, a high-value target was apprehended during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on November 23, 2024.
Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Provincial Office Tawi-Tawi, along with the Philippine Air Force’s 300 Air Intelligence and Security Wing 5135th Air Base Squadron, Coast Guard Intelligence Unit Central Tawi-Tawi, Bongao Municipal Police Station, and other regional support units, successfully captured the suspect.
Authorities seized one (1) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet of shabu weighing approximately 50 grams, with an estimated street value of PhP 340, 000.00. Along with the drugs, buy-bust money and the suspect’s identification cards were also recovered.
The arrested individual, Rossbirt Maddan Alih, 39, a fish vendor from Barangay Baka-Bakaw, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, is currently under the custody of Bongao Municipal Police Station. He faces inquest proceedings for violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (RA 9165).