Big-time pusher falls in Agusan

BAYUGAN, Agusan del Sur — One of Mindanao’s alleged big-time drug pushers operating in the Caraga Region and nearby provinces was nabbed by police operatives at a checkpoint in Barangay Fili on Sunday afternoon.

Caraga Police Deputy Regional Director Reinerio Camins identified the suspect as Malik Saranggani Y Saumay, 57, a resident of Barangay 33 Davao City and his companions — Yasser Ameril, 30, of Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Danilo Ordino, 32, of Bacoor, Cavite; Anshre Mualam, 19, of Davao City and Sammy Acrama, 33, of San Salvador, Lanao del Norte.

In a report, Bayugan Police headed by Police Senior Inspector Gerry Orquillas Ratunil said they have been monitoring the activities of Saranggani and his companions, who were reportedly traveling to and from Butuan City and Davao City, passing through Bayugan, in their alleged drug pushing activities.

Confiscated from the suspects were more or less 200 grams of shabu with an estimated value of P360,000, three pieces of cellular phones, cash money amounting to P37,500 and other paraphernalia.

The suspects were heading towards Butuan City on board a green Hyundai van with license plate number MBW 175 when they were intercepted and nabbed by authorities at a checkpoint installed to provide security to President Arroyo during her visit to Agusan del Sur.

The illegal drugs problem in the region has alarmed the business sector that a Drug Summit involving all sectors in the region to combat the drug menace has been held recently.