ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — Authorities arrested a High-Value Individual (HVI) and seized approximately 100 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱680,000, along with an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, during the implementation of search warrants in Barangay Kaliantana, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, in another significant anti-illegal drugs and loose firearms operation by the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office (ZSBPPO).
The operation was led by personnel of the Naga Municipal Police Station, with support from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and other operating units, as part of the intensified campaign against illegal drugs and illegal firearms in the province.
Police served two search warrants against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The operation resulted in the arrest of an adult male identified by authorities as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in the government’s anti-drug campaign.
During the search, authorities recovered the following evidence:
- Two large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu;
- Approximately 100 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated Standard Drug Price (SDP) of ₱680,000;
- Various drug paraphernalia and other non-drug-related items;
- One caliber .45 pistol;
- One magazine for the caliber .45 firearm; and
- Seven live rounds of caliber .45 ammunition.
Police immediately took the suspect into custody and transported him to the Naga Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and the filing of appropriate charges.
Authorities said the confiscated illegal drugs will first be presented before the issuing court as part of the return of the implemented search warrants before being turned over to the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Forensic Unit for qualitative and quantitative laboratory examination.
The firearm and ammunition recovered during the operation will also form part of the evidence in connection with the case for illegal possession of firearms.
Provincial Director Police Colonel Barnard Danie V. Dasugo commended the operating teams for the successful implementation of the operation, emphasizing the provincial police’s continuing efforts to combat illegal drugs and remove loose firearms from communities.
Dasugo stressed that the accomplishment reflects the ZSBPPO’s unwavering commitment to strengthening peace and public safety by aggressively pursuing individuals involved in illegal drug activities while preventing unlicensed firearms from posing threats to residents.
The latest operation forms part of the Philippine National Police’s sustained campaign against criminality, particularly the proliferation of illegal drugs and unauthorized firearms, which authorities say remain among the primary drivers of violence and other crimes in communities across the province.
The arrested suspect now faces charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165 and Republic Act No. 10591. The seized evidence remains under police custody pending court proceedings and forensic examination.