ZAMBOANGA CITY – A successful anti-drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA RO9) in coordination with law enforcement units led to the arrest of three high-value targets (HVTs) in a buy-bust operation at Nuñez Extension, Barangay Camino, Zamboanga City, on February 24, 2025, at approximately 11:45 AM.
The operation was spearheaded by PDEA RO9’s Regional Special Enforcement Team, in collaboration with the Zamboanga City Office, the National Special Enforcement Team (NSET), the PNP TSC RMFB9, and the PNP CDEU9.
Authorities confiscated forty-seven (47) heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 2,300 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated market value of Php 15,640,000. Other seized items included a Watson paper bag, a blue umbrella pouch, two calendar sheets, and a Colgate box. Law enforcers also recovered twenty-eight (28) bundles of Php 1,000.00 boodle money, along with one genuine Php 1,000.00 bill used as buy-bust money, a blue plastic bag with a “TINI HAUSE” label, a red Piaggio, a Nokia keypad phone, and a GKD keypad phone.
PDEA RO9 Regional Director Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc identified the arrested suspects as Aharayam Jaidi, 66, a female factory worker from Barangay Patalon, Zamboanga City; Maeng Omar, 42, a male driver from Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City; and Nurhayna Sampang, 30, a female factory worker also from Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga City.
The suspects will be facing charges for violating Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. They are currently under the custody of the authorities pending further investigation and legal proceedings.
The PDEA RO9 emphasized its commitment to intensifying efforts against illegal drug activities and urged the public to continue supporting the government’s campaign to eradicate illegal drugs in the region.
