IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay — Authorities seized an estimated ₱3.4 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two individuals following a high-risk anti-drug operation that culminated in a vehicular crash at a checkpoint, officials reported.
The operation was carried out in Barangay Veterans Village by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office, in coordination with units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and troops from the Philippine Army.
Authorities recovered approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu from the possession of the suspects, packed in a self-sealing plastic bag. The confiscated illegal drugs were estimated to have a street value of ₱3.4 million.
Also seized during the operation were several non-drug items, including boodle money used in the buy-bust transaction, a black Mitsubishi Montero vehicle, a caliber .45 firearm with a magazine, mobile phones, identification cards, and other personal belongings.
The suspects — identified only as a 31-year-old male driver from Cavite and a 32-year-old individual from Quezon City — allegedly attempted to flee after sensing law enforcement presence. Their escape was cut short when their vehicle rammed into a barricade at a border control checkpoint in Barangay Licomo, Zamboanga City.
Both suspects sustained injuries due to the crash and were immediately taken into custody.
Authorities are now preparing charges against the suspects for violations of Republic Act 9165 and Republic Act 10591.
Officials underscored that the successful operation highlights intensified anti-illegal drug efforts in the region, emphasizing continued coordination among law enforcement agencies to curb the distribution of dangerous drugs and dismantle trafficking networks in Western Mindanao.