Drug raps filed vs drug syndicate head, cohort in Zambales

Drug cases have been lodged against the suspected leader and a member of a high-profile drug syndicate operating in Zambales province, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said Tuesday.

The anti-narcotics said that Ali Omar, alias Ali or Philip, and his accomplice, Ibrahim Solaiman, alias Solaiman, are currently detained at the PDEA Detention Center in Quezon City.

Omar and Solaiman were arrested last Friday in a search operation at Omar’s house in Iba town in Zambales. Seized from him and Solaiman was about one kilogram of methamphetamine hydrochloride, popularly known as shabu.

In a statement, PDEA director general Dionisio Santiago said the two suspects were charged with violations of provisions under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“Omar used to offer shabu to his patrons on a consignment basis just like other legitimate business transacts normal business. His business usually ranges from 25 to 200 grams per transaction," Santiago said.

Also recovered from Omar’s possession were high-powered firearms. Santiago said Omar frequently hired armed escorts to protect him during transactions. - Katrina Louise Francisco, GMANews.TV