ZAMBOANGA CITY – A tricycle driver was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA RO9) in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Drug Enforcement Group and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 on March 11, 2025.
The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Ronald Doble y Pepito, a resident of Barangay Mampang, was caught selling a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover agent at Villalobos Street, Barangay Zone IV, around 11:43 a.m. The confiscated sachet weighed approximately 50 grams and had an estimated market value of Php340,000.00.
Upon his arrest, authorities discovered three more sachets containing around 150 grams of suspected shabu, valued at Php1,020,000.00, bringing the total seized illegal drugs to Php1,360,000.00.
In addition to the illegal drugs, law enforcement officers also confiscated a genuine Php500 bill used as buy-bust money, a bundle of Php1,000 boodle money, a black Honda TMX 125 tricycle, a black sando bag, and a Honda key.
Doble is now facing charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, for drug sale and possession.
The operation, led by the PDEA Zamboanga City Office, is part of the agency’s intensified efforts to combat illegal drug activities in the region. Authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities to aid in the ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
