Zamboanga City—In a concerted effort to combat illegal drug activities, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9), in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and local police units, successfully conducted two major anti-drug operations, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of a significant quantity of illegal drugs.
Palawan Zone II Operation
On November 18, 2024, at 11:05 AM, a joint operation led by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 (RDEU 9), in coordination with PDEA Zamboanga City Office and Zamboanga City Police Station 6, was carried out in Palawan Zone II, Barangay Divisoria. The operation led to the arrest of a 40-year-old male suspect and the confiscation of suspected illegal drugs valued at approximately PhP29,920,000.00.
Authorities seized eight heat-sealed and four vacuum-sealed transparent plastic packs containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu (methamphetamine). The confiscated items have been sent to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for further examination, while the suspect remains in police custody.
PBGEN Bowenn Joey M. Masauding, Regional Director of PRO 9, praised the operatives for their diligence and bravery in conducting the operation. “Ako’y nagagalak sa pinakitang tapang at husay ng mga operatiba ng Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 at sa tulong ng PDEA at NISG-WM sa sunod-sunod na matagumpay na operasyon kontra droga,” he said. He reiterated the commitment of PRO 9 to intensify efforts to maintain a drug-free Zamboanga Peninsula.
Canelar Buy-Bust Operation
In a separate operation on November 17, 2024, at 2:00 AM, the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Zamboanga City Police Station 11, in collaboration with the Tactical Support Company (TSC) of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB 9), the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company, and PDEA Zamboanga City Office, conducted a buy-bust operation in Canelar Moret, Barangay Canelar.
The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects—a 38-year-old male jeepney conductor and a 35-year-old female vendor—both identified as High-Value Individuals (HVI) in the local drug trade. Authorities seized two heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PhP680,000.00.
The confiscated items were turned over to the Zamboanga City Forensic Unit 9 for analysis. PBGEN Masauding commended the dedication of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), under the leadership of PCOL Kimberly E. Molitas, in carrying out the operation. “I am proud of the relentless efforts of the ZCPO… Nagpapasalamat ako sa ZCPO at PDEA sa ma-pwersang pagpapatupad ng batas kontra-ilegal na droga,” he stated.
Continued Efforts Against Illegal Drugs
Both operations underscore the intensified campaign of PRO 9 and its partner agencies to eradicate illegal drugs in the region. PRO 9 assures the public that similar initiatives will continue to ensure the safety and security of Zamboanga Peninsula residents.
