ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities seized approximately 200 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱1.36 million and arrested two alleged drug personalities during a joint anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Tetuan, Zamboanga City, on Sunday afternoon, August 9, 2026.
The operation was carried out at around 3:10 p.m. along Amor Con Amor Se Paga Road in Barangay Tetuan by personnel of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) 9, in coordination with operatives from the Naval Intelligence Security Group-Western Mindanao, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, 1st Special Operations Unit, Maritime Group, 904th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station, and Zamboanga City Police Station 6 (ZCPS 6).
Police said the operation was part of the continuing intensified campaign of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) against the illegal drug trade in Western Mindanao.
Arrested were a 50-year-old man, reportedly residing at Martha Drive, Barangay Sta. Catalina, Zamboanga City, and a 40-year-old man who resides at Maranao Drive, Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City. Both were identified by authorities as suspected drug personalities allegedly involved in the illegal distribution of dangerous drugs.
Recovered from the suspects were four heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The confiscated items had a combined weight of approximately 200 grams and an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱1,360,000.
The substantial seizure represents another significant blow to the illegal drug supply in Zamboanga City, as authorities continue to target suspected suppliers and distributors through intelligence-driven operations and coordinated enforcement efforts.
Following the operation, the seized drug evidence was turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for laboratory examination to determine its chemical composition. The two arrested suspects, meanwhile, were placed under the custody of ZCPS 6 for documentation, investigation, and proper disposition.
Authorities said appropriate charges are being prepared against the suspects for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The operation underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Zamboanga Peninsula to disrupt the movement of illegal drugs and prevent their distribution in local communities.