ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities seized approximately half a kilogram of suspected shabu valued at ₱3.4 million and arrested three alleged drug dealers during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 on Tuesday afternoon.
The operation, carried out around 3:00 p.m. in the vicinity of Sta. Cruz, Barangay Camino Nuevo, resulted in the apprehension of three suspects reportedly natives of Buluan, Maguindanao. The suspects were arrested after they allegedly transacted with an undercover operative during the anti-illegal drug operation.
Authorities said the suspects were immediately taken into custody after the transaction was completed, leading to the confiscation of around 500 grams of suspected shabu. The seized illegal drugs have an estimated street value of ₱3.4 million.
Initial reports indicate that the suspects had been under surveillance prior to the operation, as part of intensified efforts to dismantle drug distribution networks operating in Zamboanga City and nearby areas.
The arrested individuals are now under the custody of PDEA-9 and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, or Republic Act No. 9165.
PDEA officials reiterated their commitment to sustaining aggressive anti-drug operations, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in curbing the proliferation of illegal drugs.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ network and possible links to larger drug syndicates operating in the region.