ZAMBOANGA CITY — Police authorities seized approximately ₱1.7 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two alleged drug personalities in Barangay Baliwasan during a buy-bust operation on November 29, 2025.
Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) reported that a 35-year-old resident of Barangay Rio Hondo and a 60-year-old resident of Barangay Baliwasan were apprehended around 5:02 p.m. in Canelar Moret, Baliwasan. The suspects are linked to illegal drug activities in the area.
The operation was conducted through the combined efforts of the Special Operations Unit 9, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), Zamboanga City Police Station 11 (ZCPS 11), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 (RDEU 9), the 904th Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB 9), and the Zamboanga City Police Intelligence Unit 9. Authorities confiscated about 250 grams of suspected shabu during the operation.
After their arrest, the suspects underwent drug testing and medical examination, while the confiscated evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for laboratory analysis. They are now in the custody of ZCPS 11, and charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared for filing with the Zamboanga City Prosecutor’s Office.
PRO 9 Regional Director Brigadier General Edwin A. Quilates commended the operating units for their intelligence-driven approach and emphasized the importance of sustained, coordinated operations to dismantle illegal drug networks. He also affirmed PRO 9’s commitment to Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr.’s directive to intensify anti-drug campaigns targeting suppliers, couriers, and distributors.
“This operation underscores our determination to protect communities and eliminate the drug menace at every level,” Quilates said.