PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Authorities confiscated around P225,000 worth of suspected shabu from a male suspect during a drug buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-9 Zamboanga del Sur on Thursday afternoon, May 13, 2026, in Barangay Jose, Pagadian City.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “Step,” is of legal age and reportedly a resident of Barangay Tuburan, Pagadian City.
According to authorities, operatives of PDEA-9 Zamboanga del Sur successfully carried out the anti-illegal drug operation which led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of 16 large packets of suspected shabu.
Police and PDEA investigators said the confiscated illegal drugs weighed around 75 grams with an estimated street value of P225,000.
The seized evidence was immediately turned over for proper documentation and laboratory examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Following the operation, the suspect was placed under police and PDEA custody while authorities prepared criminal charges against him for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations in Pagadian City and across Zamboanga del Sur as part of the government’s continuing crackdown against illegal narcotics.
Further investigation is ongoing to determine the possible source and network connections of the suspect.