ZAMBOANGA CITY — Operatives from the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) seized an estimated P3 million worth of suspected shabu in a successful buy-bust operation in Barangay Canelar on Thursday night, resulting in the arrest of a habal-habal driver identified only by his alias, “Johnny.”
According to police authorities, the suspect was caught in the act of selling a large quantity of illegal drugs to an undercover operative. The operation, which took place around 10:30 p.m., was part of the intensified anti-drug campaign being conducted across the city.
Recovered from the suspect were several sachets of crystalline substance believed to be shabu, weighing approximately half a kilo, and valued at around P3 million based on standard drug price estimates. Law enforcers also seized marked money and the motorcycle used by the suspect in his illicit transactions.
During initial interrogation, “Johnny” allegedly admitted that he turned to drug peddling after struggling to earn enough income as a habal-habal driver. He claimed that his daily earnings from ferrying passengers were no longer sufficient to sustain his family’s basic needs.
Authorities, however, underscored that economic hardship cannot justify engaging in criminal activities. “We understand that times are difficult, but the law must be upheld. Illegal drugs destroy lives and communities,” said a CDEU spokesperson.
The suspect is currently under police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The confiscated drugs have been turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit for examination.
Police said the operation serves as another warning to individuals involved in the illegal drug trade that law enforcement agencies remain relentless in their campaign to cleanse Zamboanga City of narcotics and other forms of criminality.