ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities intensified their campaign against illegal drugs after operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 9 arrested a suspected drug personality and confiscated approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of ₱340,000 during a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City.
The anti-drug operation was conducted at around 5:45 p.m. on July 18, 2026, along Mayor Jaldon Street in Barangay Canelar, and was spearheaded by the PDEA Zamboanga City Office with the assistance of the PDEA Isabela City Office, Tactical Support Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (TSC RMFB 9), and the Zamboanga City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ZCPO-CDEU).
Authorities identified the arrested suspect only by the alias “Radzta,” a 53-year-old resident of Oriental Home Subdivision, Barangay San Roque, Zamboanga City.
According to PDEA, the suspect was apprehended immediately after allegedly completing an illegal drug transaction with an undercover operative. Seized from the operation was approximately 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with a standard value of ₱340,000.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, law enforcement personnel also recovered several pieces of evidence believed to be connected to the transaction, including a bundle of boodle money topped with one genuine ₱1,000 bill used as marked buy-bust money, a yellow cellophane, a Vivo Android cellular phone, the suspect’s driver’s license, and a red Suzuki S-Presso believed to have been used during the operation.
The confiscated evidence was properly inventoried and documented in accordance with the procedures prescribed under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act to preserve the integrity of the seized items for court proceedings.
The arrested suspect is now facing charges for Violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PDEA Regional Office 9 reiterated its commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations across the Zamboanga Peninsula through sustained intelligence-driven enforcement and close coordination with partner law enforcement agencies. The agency also urged the public to continue supporting the government’s anti-drug campaign by reporting suspicious drug-related activities in their communities.
The latest operation underscores the continuing efforts of authorities to dismantle the illegal drug trade and prevent the distribution of dangerous drugs in Zamboanga City and the rest of the region.