ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities seized approximately two kilograms of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱13.6 million and arrested three individuals identified as newly classified “high-value individuals” (HVIs) during a buy-bust operation conducted late Saturday afternoon in Zone 6, Barangay Talabaan.
The operation, carried out along the bypass road in Barangay Talabaan, was the result of coordinated anti-drug intelligence work and sustained surveillance against suspected drug distribution activities in the area. Law enforcement units moved in after confirming illicit transactions involving a significant volume of illegal drugs.
Arrested on site were three suspects who, according to authorities, were recently tagged as high-value targets due to their alleged involvement in large-scale drug distribution. Their identities are being withheld pending further investigation and formal filing of charges.
The successful operation was led by the Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) of Zamboanga City Police Station 4 (Culianan), in close coordination with multiple units, including the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB9), the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (1st ZCMFC), the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), and the City Intelligence Unit (CIU) of the Zamboanga City Police Office.
Atty. Vladimir Jimenez, Chairperson of the Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, was present during the operation and extended support to the operating personnel, underscoring the local government’s continued backing of intensified anti-drug campaigns in the city.
Police said the confiscated suspected shabu will undergo laboratory examination as part of standard procedure, while the suspects are now in police custody and facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities described the operation as a significant blow to illegal drug networks operating in the city, particularly those involved in large-scale distribution. They also emphasized that the classification of the arrested individuals as HVIs reflects ongoing efforts to dismantle supply chains rather than merely street-level enforcement.
Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the seized illegal drugs and identify possible accomplices or wider networks linked to the operation. Law enforcement officials said follow-up operations may be conducted as intelligence gathering continues.