Pagadian City, March 6, 2025 – A successful buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office IX (PDEA RO-9) Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office, in coordination with multiple law enforcement units, led to the arrest of two drug suspects and the confiscation of illegal drugs worth approximately Php3.4 million.
The operation, carried out at around 12:55 PM at the parking lot of Gaisano Mall in Barangay San Pedro, Pagadian City, was supported by the PDEA RO-9 Regional Special Enforcement Team (RSET), the Pagadian City Police Station, the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of ZDSPPO.
Director III Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc of PDEA RO-9 identified the suspects as Jessie Damolo Pada, 38, a school supply distributor, and Sanny Boy Amrosi Fontanilla, 29, a laborer. Both are residents of Maramag, Bukidnon. The suspects were apprehended after allegedly transacting with an undercover operative.
Authorities seized five knot-tied transparent plastic packs containing approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu. The confiscated drugs have an estimated street value of Php3,400,000. Additional non-drug evidence recovered includes a black box, a gold tea pack labeled “GUANYINWANG,” two black plastic packs, a brown paper bag, boodle money topped with a genuine ₱1,000 bill, two mobile phones, a black Toyota Fortuner, and several bank transaction records.
The arrested individuals will face charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Law enforcement authorities continue their investigation to determine possible links to larger drug networks.
PDEA and local police reiterated their commitment to combating illegal drug activities in the region, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.
