Zamboanga City, Philippines – A buy-bust operation conducted on the evening of January 24, 2025, at Zaragosa Street, Barangay Zone 4, Zamboanga City, led to the arrest of two high-value targets (HVTs) and the confiscation of suspected shabu valued at Php 2,720,000.
The operation was spearheaded by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 9 (PNP DEG SOU 9), in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga City Office, ZCPS11, the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (1st ZCMFC), the Philippine Air Force’s 3012 Air Intelligence and Security Squadron, and the ZCPO City Drug Enforcement Unit.
During the operation, authorities recovered eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. The total weight of the confiscated drugs was approximately 400 grams, with an estimated market value of Php 2,720,000. Additional items seized included a brown paper bag used as a container for the suspected drugs, white plastic cellophane, a white Samsung keypad cellphone, a black and brown coin purse, blue plastic cellophane used to hold boodle money, and the buy-bust money.
The suspects were identified as alias Sahil, a 42-year-old fisherman from Barangay Parol, Tungkil, Sulu, and alias Amil, a 40-year-old truck man from Barangay Camins, Zamboanga City. Both suspects, considered high-value targets, are now in custody and are set to face charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
This operation underscores the intensified efforts of law enforcement agencies in Zamboanga City to combat the illegal drug trade and bring high-value targets to justice. Authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding communities from the scourge of illegal drugs.
