Ex-convicts arrested in a buy-bust operation, more than P600K worth of shabu confiscated

BUTUAN CITY – A total of Php649,236 worth of shabu weighing 55.02 grams was confiscated during a buy-bust operation in Purok 5, New Road, Barangay Limaha on May 2, Sunday.

Authorities arrested the suspects who are identified as the 25-year old Azis Nogas Mala, of Purok 2, Barangay Ong Yiu and a native in Purok 4, Barangay Tambacan, Iligan City; and Ryndon Bayobo Ybasco alias Wewing, a 44-year old married man who was arrested in Purok 1, Barangay Ambago.

In a statement released by the Police Regional Office 13, Mala is categorized as a high-value target in the Regional Top Priority Target List.

In 2016, Mala and Ybasco were both sentenced to jail for violating RA 9165, also known as the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002." Mala and Ybasco were released in April and March, this year respectively after they took advantage of the plea bargaining agreement.

Police also confiscated marked money worth Php20,000; Php1,050 cash; a digital weighing scale, and drug paraphernalia from the suspects. They are now being held at Butuan City Police Station 1 and facing charges against the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.