P1.3 million shabu seized, 2 suspects nabbed in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Anti-narcotics police arrested two suspected drug traders and seized from them shabu worth over P1.3 million and a firearm in an entrapment operation last Tuesday night in this city.

Arrested were Almudzer Hussin Estino, 38, and Nick Benhamad Absara, residents of Barangays Santa Catalina and Talon-talon, respectively. They were tagged as high-value suspects in the illegal drug trade by the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).

CDEU agents cornered Estino and Absara during a sting operation at 11:31 p.m. in Phase 4, Sitio Asian, a resettlement site in Barangay Kasanyangan, according to ZCPO director Col. Kimberly Molitas.

Police recovered three sachets of shabu weighing 200 grams with an estimated value of P1.36 million from Estino and a caliber .45 pistol with ammunition as well as drug money from both suspects.

Molitas said both suspects, who are facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, were detained at the Barangay Tetuan police station.