Midsayap cops arrest big fish in illegal drug trade

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato -- Police arrested here Friday a man believed to be big time” illegal drug supplier in North Cotabato’s first district, police said.Superintendent Tom Tuzon, Midsayap town police chief, identified the suspect as Sucat Palakat Esmael, 39, of Barangay Balakayon, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato.Tuzon said police agents have received information from a concerned citizen about the supposed drug dealing activities of Esmael in PALMA area.PALMA area stands for the adjoining towns of Pigcawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan in North Cotabato’s first district. He is a big fish, we have been tailing him for more than two weeks, Tuzon told DXMS-AM Radyo Bida Saturday. He is a major supplier of shabu in PALMA area, Tuzon said of Esmael who was arrested while driving a motorbike in Barangay Patindigin, Midsayap, North Cotabato at past 11 a.m. Friday.Seized from him were 22 small sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with a market value of about PHP39,000.Earlier, police arrested Tato Andi Ambol, 32 and his wife Manilyn Ambol, 27, both residents of Barangay Poblacion 7, Midsayap.Tuzon said he was saddened to learn that the couple had been using minors as runners” in peddling illegal drugs in Midsayap and nearby towns.The three suspects are now detained at Midsayap police lock up cell while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against them.