A JOINT anti-illegal drug operation jointly conducted recently in Tawi-Tawi by various law enforcement authorities resulted in the confiscation of P5.3 million worth of cocaine from a notorious big-time drug personality.
In a statement, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar lauded the confiscation of the cocaine in a joint operation by the police and anti-illegal drug agents in Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.
The suspect was identified as Basir Daud, 49 years old, based on reports reaching Camp Crame.
“I commend this operation, which is proof that the government will continue the fight to once and for all put an end to the operation of illegal drugs in the country,” PGen Eleazar said.
The PNP, Eleazar said, will continue to coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to further strengthen country’s seas and coastlines in Tawi-Tawi and nearby areas. “We can’t discount the possibility that the confiscated cocaine was smuggled into the country via our southern backdoor,” said PGen Eleazar.
“Because of the enormous pressure on illegal drug syndicates, their modus now is to smuggle drugs via our seas that is why we continue to intensify our coordination with the AFP and PCG to stop this modus,” he added.
Aside from the illegal drugs, an M16 rifle was also seized from Daud who is facing drug-related charges.
PGen Eleazar assured the public that the PNP, PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and other government agencies will continue working relentlessly to curb the proliferation of narcotics in the country.