ZAMBOANGA CITY — A 64-year-old man was arrested after police and their law enforcement partners seized approximately 300 grams of suspected shabu worth ₱2.04 million during a joint buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City on Friday night, August 7.
The operation was conducted at around 10:08 p.m. in Zone 8, Barangay Cawit, as part of the intensified campaign of Police Regional Office 9 and its partner agencies against the illegal drug trade in the region.
Operatives of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) led the operation in coordination with personnel 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, PNP Special Action Force, and Zamboanga City Police Station 9.
The operation resulted in the arrest of the suspect, a 64-year-old male who is reportedly residing in Barangay Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City.
Police said the suspect is facing an alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the illegal sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs.
Recovered from the operation were six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. The confiscated items had a combined weight of approximately 300 grams and an estimated Standard Drug Price of ₱2,040,000.
The seizure represents a significant disruption to the illegal drug supply, with authorities emphasizing that the operation was the result of coordinated and intelligence-driven law enforcement efforts involving multiple units and agencies.
The confiscated suspected drugs have been secured and are set to undergo laboratory examination at the Regional Forensic Unit 9. Police said the evidence will be processed and disposed of in accordance with established procedures and evidentiary protocols.
The arrested suspect was subsequently brought to the detention facility of Zamboanga City Police Station 9 for safekeeping while appropriate charges are being prepared and filed against him.
Police Brigadier General Dennis A. Esguerra, Acting Regional Director of PRO 9, commended the personnel and participating agencies for the successful operation, highlighting the importance of inter-agency coordination in combating the illegal drug trade.
“This successful operation demonstrates what can be achieved through strong coordination, intelligence-driven policing, and the unified efforts of our law enforcement partners,” Esguerra said.
He added that the seizure of approximately ₱2.04 million worth of suspected shabu in a single operation demonstrates the continuing efforts of authorities to prevent illegal drugs from reaching communities.
The operation also underscores the continuing presence of coordinated anti-drug operations in Zamboanga City, as authorities intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance, and enforcement activities against individuals allegedly involved in the distribution and sale of dangerous drugs.
PRO 9 said it will continue working with its law enforcement partners to strengthen its campaign against illegal drugs and pursue individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.