MALOLOS, Bulacan — The Bulacan police successfully arrested Nassep Mangoda, leader of the Mangoda Crime Group, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Grace Ville, San Jose del Monte on Friday.

According to the San Jose del Monte City Police Station, the Mangoda Crime Group is a criminal syndicate involved in gun-for-hire activities, gun running, and the illegal drug trade in Bulacan.

“The arrest of Mangoda, along with his accomplice Tipie, marks another significant breakthrough in the province’s relentless campaign against crime,” the Bulacan police said.

A report submitted to Police Colonel Franklin P. Estoro, Officer-in-Charge of the Bulacan Provincial Police Office, revealed that the operation was carried out by the Station Drug Enforcement Unit of the San Jose del Monte City Police Station at around 9:10 p.m.

The operation led to the arrest of Mangoda, a 22-year-old male, and his accomplice, Tipie, a 26-year-old male.

Seized during the operation were eight plastic sachets of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of P136,000, two .45 caliber pistols (one marked Armscor with Serial No. 1263688 and one unmarked Infinity pistol), both loaded with 18 live ammunition rounds, as well as buy-bust money.

Further investigation revealed that Mangoda, known by his alias “Nassep Mangoda,” is the leader of the Mangoda Crime Group, which is implicated in gun-for-hire activities, gun running, and the illegal drug trade in the province of Bulacan.

The arrested suspects and the confiscated items were brought to the Bulacan Provincial Forensic Unit for examination. Criminal complaints for violations of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) are being prepared for filing in court.