ZAMBOANGA CITY — Anti-narcotics operatives have arrested five suspected drug peddlers during a drug buy-bust operation near a fastfood chain in Cotabato City and seized from their possession about 500 grams of suspected shabu worth P3.4 million.

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao director Christian Frivaldo disclosed on Monday that the illegal drugs were seized during sting operations conducted at Purok Central, Sinsuat Avenue on Saturday.

Frivaldo identified the suspects as Usman Camit Musa, also known as Usmer,  Al Raji Mlok Bayam, Kenedy Manampen Baraguir also known as Keny, Bailing Saavedra Bagundang and Sahara Bagundang Tiang.

According to Frivaldo, the suspects were nabbed after an entrapment operation was launched by joint elements of Inter-Agency Task Force Kutawato, Cotabato City Mobile Force Company-CCPO and  PDEA-BARMM.

Seized from the suspects were 10 pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing 500 grams  worth P3.4 million.