LUUK, Sulu — A notorious drug peddler was arrested by joint anti-drug operatives and seized from him some 1,000 grams of suspected shabu worth P6.8 million during a drug buy-bust operation at a public market in this town.

Brig. Gen. Alaric Avelino P. delos Santos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, said yesterday that government anti-narcotics operatives conducted a drug buy-bust operation at Luuk Public Market in Barangay Tandu Batu in this town on Sunday.

Delos Santos said the drug buy-bust operation has resulted in the arrest of notorious drug peddler Almejer O. Jikuron, a resident of Barangay Mananti in this town.

The operatives also seized from Jikuron’s possession about 1,000 grams of shabu with an estimated market worth of P6.8 million and a Samsung mobile phone, he added.

The drug buy-bust operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force, 1102nd Infantry “Ganarul” Brigade, and the 101st Infantry “Sajahitra” Battalion.

Delos Santos said, “The valuable information that led to the arrest of the suspect came from the tips provided by concerned citizens in the communities.”

Additionally, he said, “This underscores the importance of community involvement and cooperation in our campaign against illegal drugs.”

Delos Santos encourages residents to report to them any individuals involved in the illicit trade of prohibited drugs.