ZAMBOANGA CITY — A 28-year-old motorcyclist was arrested after authorities allegedly recovered approximately P1.7 million worth of suspected shabu during an anti-criminality checkpoint operation in Barangay Malagutay, Zamboanga City.
The suspect was identified as Almunir Sahibul, 28, single, and a resident of Barangay Arena Blanco, Zamboanga City.
According to a police report, the arrest took place on the afternoon of June 4, 2026, during a joint anti-criminality checkpoint conducted by personnel of Police Station 8 (PS-8) and the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company (2nd ZCMFC) along the bypass road in Purok 5, Barangay Malagutay.
Authorities said officers were inspecting motorists passing through the checkpoint when Sahibul allegedly attempted to evade inspection by speeding away. His actions immediately aroused the suspicion of law enforcement personnel, prompting them to pursue and intercept him a short distance from the checkpoint.
During the commotion that followed his interception, a plastic packet reportedly fell from the suspect’s jacket. Responding officers immediately recovered the item and conducted an inspection.
The recovered package was found to contain a substance suspected to be shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) with an estimated street value of P1.7 million.
Police immediately placed Sahibul under arrest and informed him of his constitutional rights before bringing him into custody for documentation and further investigation.
During initial questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the illegal drugs, according to the police report.
The confiscated suspected shabu has been turned over to the appropriate forensic laboratory for qualitative and quantitative examination to confirm its composition and weight.
Authorities are also conducting a deeper investigation to determine the source of the illegal drugs, identify possible accomplices, and establish whether the suspect is linked to a larger drug trafficking network operating in Zamboanga City and nearby areas.
The suspect is expected to face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, particularly for the illegal possession and transportation of dangerous drugs.
Police reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations through sustained checkpoint operations and intelligence-driven enforcement, emphasizing that efforts will continue to curb the movement of illegal drugs and dismantle drug distribution networks in the city.