MAGUINDANAO- Several members of drug syndicates, including their two alleged leaders, were arrested in Maguindanao on Wednesday.

A joint operation of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency led to the arrest of Aya Balabaran, alias Commander Biente, in Barangay Kusiong, Datu Odin Sinsuat, and Lamie Mamasabakulod, alias Commander Lawin, a barangay kagawad of Tabian, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao.

Recovered from Balabaran were two pieces of large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and seven pieces of small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 51 grams.

Normina Abdula Tampugao was also arrested after getting caught with 259 pieces of small heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu.

Troops also recovered one M16 rifle with a rifle grenade launcher, two M-16s, three M14 rifles, four .45 caliber pistols, one improvised pistol shotgun, two 40MM M79 rifle grenades, and assorted ammunition.

The operation in Tapian, Datu Odin Sinsuat also resulted in the arrest of Mamasabakulod and Almendras Sanday Mama, Jr.

Recovered from their possession were six pieces of heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspect shabu, weighing more or less 50 grams, one BAR, one M16, one caliber 45 pistol, assorted magazines, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia.

Seven suspected drug users were also nabbed during the operation.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the PDEA Regional Office ARMM. - with a report from Jewel Reyes, ABS-CBN News