Zamboanga City – A joint operation by the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer in Barangay Lunzuran on February 26, 2025. The suspect, known as a.k.a. Joseph, was identified as a Street-Level Individual (SLI) involved in the local illegal drug trade.
During the buy-bust operation, law enforcement authorities seized five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected methamphetamine (shabu). The confiscated drugs, weighing approximately one gram, have an estimated street value of PHP 6,800. The seized items will be submitted to the Zamboanga City Forensic Unit 9 (ZCFU9) for further analysis.
Beyond his drug-related offenses, Joseph is also a prime suspect in a recent shooting incident in Barangay Divisoria. A witness positively identified him as the gunman responsible for the fatal shooting of Elvin B. Ferrer, a kuliglig driver, on February 21, 2025.
The suspect is now in the custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 5 (ZCPS5) for further investigation. He faces charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Additionally, authorities are preparing a murder case against him in connection with the Barangay Divisoria shooting.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of the Zamboanga City Police Office and its partner agencies to combat illegal drugs, ensure justice for crime victims, and maintain peace and order in the community.
