ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities seized an estimated ₱34 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a jeepney dispatcher during a high-impact anti-drug operation on Friday evening, April 24, 2026, in Barangay Culianan.
The buy-bust operation, conducted at around 6:10 p.m. along Bypass Road, was led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA-9), in coordination with multiple law enforcement and military units.
Arrested was a suspect identified only as alias “Randy,” 35, married, and a resident of Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City. He works as a jeepney dispatcher.
Authorities reported that the suspect attempted to flee during the operation by running toward a nearby creek but was quickly pursued and apprehended by operatives.
Confiscated from the suspect were five vacuum-sealed transparent plastic packs containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The illegal drugs weighed approximately five kilograms, with a standard drug price estimated at ₱34 million. Also recovered were bundles of boodle money and a gray-and-black eco bag used during the transaction.
The operation was carried out by a joint team composed of PDEA Regional Office 9 – Zamboanga City Office, Regional Special Enforcement Teams (RSET) 1 and 2, PDEA Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office, the Tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force – Western Mindanao, the Naval Intelligence and Security Group – Western Mindanao, and the Zamboanga City Police Office.
Inventory and documentation of the seized evidence were immediately conducted at the scene in the presence of required witnesses, including a media representative and a barangay official, in compliance with standard legal procedures.
The suspect is now facing charges for violation of Sections 5 (sale of illegal drugs) and 11 (possession of illegal drugs) under Republic Act No. 9165.
PDEA-9 reiterated its firm commitment to intensifying the campaign against illegal drugs in the region, urging the public to remain vigilant and actively cooperate by reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
“This operation underscores our sustained and aggressive stance against illegal drug networks operating in Western Mindanao,” the agency said.