PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Two men were arrested after failing to evade a joint buy-bust operation conducted by government authorities on Friday afternoon, January 30, 2026, in Purok Subida, Barangay Dao, here.
The operation, carried out at around 5:40 p.m., was spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office IX (PDEA RO-IX) through its Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office, with support from the PDEA RO-IX Regional Special Enforcement Team, the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Intelligence Unit (RIU9), and the Coast Guard Intelligence Unit of Zamboanga del Sur.
Authorities identified the suspects by their aliases “Bryan” and “Apple,” who were apprehended after allegedly selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative during the operation.
Confiscated from the suspects were approximately 53 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱107,000. Also seized were a brown paper bag containing the buy-bust evidence, a circular metal container, and a bundle of boodle money topped with a genuine ₱1,000 bill bearing serial number LL389401, used as marked money in the transaction.
PDEA officials said the suspects will face charges for violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Case build-up and documentation are currently underway for the filing of formal charges in court.
The PDEA reiterated its commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations across Zamboanga del Sur, stressing that sustained inter-agency cooperation remains crucial in dismantling drug networks and protecting communities from the dangers posed by illegal drugs.