Zamboanga City – September 24, 2024 – Authorities seized approximately one kilogram of suspected shabu, valued at ₱6.8 million, during a buy-bust operation in Zone 5A, Divisoria, Zamboanga City, on Monday afternoon.
The illegal drugs, which were placed inside 15 heat-sealed transparent plastic packs and 5 knot-tied plastic bags, weighed around 1,000 grams in total. The operation was carried out at around 1:00 PM by a joint team of law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region IX, the Zamboanga City Office, and elements of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9.
Two drug suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Junny Duke Rojas Bariño, 26, and Shadhi Lim Abdua, 24, both residents of Flamingo Village, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City. Bariño is single, unemployed, and a high school graduate, while Abdua is married, unemployed, and a senior high school graduate.
In addition to the suspected shabu, authorities also confiscated a cellular phone, two motorcycles and their keys, plastic bags, and the buy-bust money used in the operation.
The suspects are facing charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This provision covers the sale, trading, and distribution of illegal drugs.
The successful operation was the result of coordinated efforts between the PDEA RO IX-RSET, PDEA Zamboanga City Office, 902nd Mobile Company, Regional Intelligence Division 9, and other police units.
Authorities vowed to continue their aggressive campaign against illegal drugs, warning that more operations will follow in their effort to curb the drug trade in the region.
