ZAMBOANGA CITY – Anti-narcotics agents and police operatives scored a major win in the fight against illegal drugs after arresting three high-value targets (HVTs) and seizing ₱115,600 worth of shabu during a raid in Barangay Lunzuran, Zamboanga City, on Wednesday night, September 3, 2025.
The operation, conducted at around 10:38 p.m. in Resettlement Phase 1, Calle Sagrado, was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA RO9) through its Zamboanga City Office, Seaport Interdiction Unit, Airport Interdiction Unit, and SES K9 Unit, in coordination with the PNP RMFB9 Tactical Support Company, the 904th Mobile Company, and barangay officials.
Authorities identified the suspects as Alias Erold, 45, a therapist; Alias Joselito, 34, unemployed; and Alias Joey, 36, a painter. All are residents of Barangay Lunzuran.
Seized during the search were approximately 17 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱115,600, contained in eleven heat-sealed plastic sachets and four open-end sachets with traces of the substance. Also recovered were four pieces of aluminum foil with drug residue, various drug paraphernalia, a red OPPO phone, an identification card, and a marked ₱100 bill used in the operation.
PDEA-9 Director Bryan Babang said the raid was carried out following tips from vigilant informants and barangay officials who reported frequent pot sessions inside the suspects’ hideout.
“The suspects were caught red-handed in their drug den, where paraphernalia and several sachets of shabu were found. They will face charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” Babang said.
The three men were immediately detained and are now facing complaints for violating Sections 6 (Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort), 7 (Employees and Visitors of a Den), 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), Article II of Republic Act 9165.
A photo released by authorities shows PDEA-9 agents inspecting the confiscated shabu inside the suspects’ hideout.