ZAMBOANGA CITY — A suspected drug peddler was arrested Friday evening in a buy-bust operation that yielded over ₱122,000 worth of illegal drugs in Barangay Tugbungan.
The operation, conducted around 6:45 p.m. on November 14, was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA RO9) through its PDEA Zamboanga City Office, with reinforcement from the PDEA 9 Seaport Interdiction Unit–ZC, PDEA 9 Airport Interdiction Unit–ZC, and personnel from TSC RMFB 9.
Authorities identified the suspect as alias “Norben,” 34, a construction worker and resident of the same barangay.
Seized during the operation were two sachets of suspected shabu weighing roughly 18 grams and valued at ₱122,400, along with buy-bust money, a caliber .38 revolver loaded with ammunition, and a sling bag believed to have been used to conceal the contraband.
The suspect is now facing charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA RO9 said the arrest affirms its continuing crackdown on illegal drug activities across Zamboanga Peninsula.