ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities struck a major blow against the illegal drug trade in Western Mindanao after seizing an estimated ₱20.4 million worth of suspected shabu and arresting two high-value drug personalities in a coordinated buy-bust operation at noon on Friday, April 24, in Barangay Cabatangan.
The operation, carried out at around 12:30 p.m., was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Special Enforcement Team 1, with support from PDEA RSET 2, the PDEA Zamboanga City Office, the Philippine Air Force, and the Naval Intelligence and Security Group.
Arrested during the sting were two suspects identified only by their aliases: “Rudy,” 39, a resident of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, and “Boss Al,” 28, from Barangay Dao in Pagadian City. Both are reportedly unemployed and were classified by authorities as high-value targets, indicating their alleged significant roles in the regional drug network.
Recovered from the suspects were approximately three kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu. The illegal drugs, packed in three vacuum-sealed transparent plastic bags, carry a standard drug price value of ₱20,400,000—one of the larger seizures recorded in the region in recent months.
Operatives also confiscated several non-drug items believed to be linked to the illegal transaction, including marked buy-bust money, boodle money, identification cards, bags, a black Toyota Fortuner believed to have been used in the operation, and a bank deposit slip that may provide further leads into the suspects’ financial transactions.
Authorities said the successful operation underscores intensified inter-agency collaboration aimed at dismantling drug syndicates operating across Western Mindanao, particularly those with possible links spanning Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby island provinces.
The suspects are now under custody and will face charges for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act No. 9165, which penalizes the sale, trading, administration, and distribution of illegal drugs.
PDEA Regional Office IX, along with its partner law enforcement units, reiterated their commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-drug operations and called on the public to remain vigilant and actively cooperate with authorities.
“This operation reflects our continuing resolve to dismantle drug networks and hold accountable those who profit from the destruction of lives and communities,” authorities said.
The latest bust adds to a series of intensified anti-drug efforts in Mindanao, as law enforcement agencies ramp up operations targeting high-level traffickers and supply chains fueling the region’s narcotics trade.