ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities scored a major breakthrough in the government’s anti-drug campaign after intercepting and confiscating approximately 67 kilos of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu)—with an estimated street value of nearly ₱500 million—in a massive operation Tuesday night, August 19, 2025, in Barangay Bungiao, Zamboanga City.
The joint operation, led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) IX and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU-9), resulted in the arrest of at least one suspect responsible for transporting the illegal drugs inside a Toyota Hilux pickup truck. Initial inventory showed 67 sealed packs, each weighing approximately one kilo. Authorities said this is one of the largest shabu seizures ever recorded in Zamboanga City and Mindanao.
Police identified the driver as Mohamad Abdurajak Uddin, who admitted he had been instructed to deliver the cargo to a contact in the city. In his attempt to evade authorities after sensing he was being tailed, Uddin rammed a police outpost before crashing on the side of the highway, where operatives cornered and arrested him. Reports also indicated that two other individuals, a couple from Tawi-Tawi, are under investigation for possible involvement.
Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Olaso and PRO-9 Director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Maata confirmed the confiscation, commending the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies and the local government. Congressman Jerry “Totong” Perez, although in Manila on official business, was closely monitoring the operation and dispatched his representative, Nina Jean Perez, to coordinate on-site.
In a statement, Congressman Perez lauded the swift action of law enforcement, particularly Capt. Vincent Perez of RDEU-9, PGen Eleazar Matta, PCol Fidel Fortaleza, PDEA Regional Director Bryan Babang, and Councilor Fed Atilano, chairman of the City Peace and Order Committee. He also recognized the support of Barangay Quiniput Chairperson Christian Perez and Kagawad Kathryn Pandi for their active participation.
“This remarkable accomplishment is a big step in our fight against illegal drugs,” Perez said, vowing his continued commitment to support the government’s anti-drug campaign.
Authorities are now conducting a deeper probe to determine the source of the contraband and identify the bigger network behind the massive shipment. PDEA and PNP have withheld additional details to avoid compromising ongoing operations.
The bust underscores the alarming scale of drug trafficking operations penetrating Mindanao, raising concerns over how large volumes of illegal drugs continue to slip through despite intensified government crackdowns.
Officials described the operation as a wake-up call to further strengthen border security and intelligence gathering to prevent Zamboanga City and other parts of Mindanao from being used as transit hubs for the multibillion-peso drug trade.