Leader of syndicate involved in illegal drugs nabbed in Malabon

OPERATIVES of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested the leader of a Mindanao-based syndicate involved in the illegal drugs trade and gunrunning in Malabon City.

The CIDG announced yesterday the arrest of the suspect, identified as Ernesto Dumon Salas, 48, alias Estong, Erning, and Jem, who is said to be the most wanted person in Soccsksargen.

The CIDG said Salas is the leader of the Salas Criminal Group engaged in drug trade and gunrunning in Ozamis City, General Santos City, and Metro Manila. He is also said to be a member of the robbery gang Faisal Criminal Group.

Salas was nabbed in Malabon City on Monday last week for murder, double murder, and attempted murder.

The CIDG said Salas “attempted to escape through a window, causing a head bump and resulting in a lacerated wound.” He was brought to the Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City for medical attention.

“The arrest of Salas is the result of an intelligence-driven operation through the collaborative efforts of our PNP units,” said CIDG director Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr.

Caramat commended the CIDG personnel involved in the operation for their “continuous commitment to ensuring peace and order in the country.

“The CIDG will carry out its mission to go after those lawless elements, remnants or active members of criminal groups, our relentless manhunt operations will pursue until they are arrested and jailed,” said Caramat.

Police seized P102,000 worth of suspected dangerous drugs and arrested a suspected pusher in a buy-bust operation in Pasig City last Saturday night.

Col. Celerino Sacro Jr., local police chief, identified the suspect as alias Ali, 46, a resident of Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.

Seized from him were several sachets containing more or less 15 grams of suspected shabu. – With Christian Oineza