Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte — December 2, 2024
A high-value drug suspect was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Office and the Piñan Municipal Drug Enforcement Team (MDET) early Monday morning.
The operation, held at Purok 2, Barangay Dionum, Piñan, resulted in the apprehension of 48-year-old Blas Miro y Quico, a regional target-listed drug personality. Miro, a truck driver and resident of the same barangay, is reportedly married and an elementary school graduate.
Authorities confiscated several items during the operation, including:
- Four (4) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 5 grams of suspected shabu, valued at ₱34,000
- A Nescafé wrapper and plastic cellophane used for concealing the drugs
- Two pieces of ammunition
- Cellular phones, an identification card, and a sling bag
- A motorcycle with a key
- The marked buy-bust money
The suspect is now in custody and will face multiple charges in court, including violations of Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
This operation highlights the continuous efforts of PDEA and local authorities to dismantle drug networks in Zamboanga del Norte, emphasizing their commitment to eradicating illegal drug activities in the region.
The public is encouraged to report suspicious activities to help strengthen the campaign against illegal drugs and related crimes.