SIAY, Zamboanga Sibugay — A man was arrested and around 10 grams of suspected shabu, along with an unlicensed .38-caliber revolver and 16 rounds of ammunition, were seized during a police and anti-drug operation in Barangay Balucanan, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.
The operation was carried out by the Siay Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga Sibugay and other operating units, as part of the Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs and firearms.
Police said the operation stemmed from a search warrant issued in connection with an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The warrant was implemented at the residence of an adult male suspect in Barangay Balucanan.
Authorities said the search resulted in the seizure of 16 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The suspected drug items had an estimated combined weight of 10 grams and a reported Standard Drug Price of ₱68,000.
Also recovered was a .38-caliber revolver without a serial number, together with 10 rounds of Super .38 live ammunition and six rounds of SPL .38 live ammunition. Police also confiscated drug paraphernalia and other non-drug-related items during the operation.
The suspect and all confiscated items were brought to the Siay Municipal Police Station for proper documentation, inventory and disposition in accordance with established procedures.
Authorities said charges for alleged violations of R.A. No. 9165 and R.A. No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition, are being prepared for filing before the appropriate court.
Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo said the provincial police office would continue pursuing individuals involved in illegal drugs and the possession of unlicensed firearms, while emphasizing that police operations must remain within the bounds of the law.
“Walang lugar para sa ilegal na droga at mga hindi lisensyadong baril sa Zamboanga Sibugay,” Dasugo said, stressing the police office’s commitment to protecting communities while respecting the rights of individuals.
He said authorities would continue their campaign against threats to public safety while ensuring that law enforcement operations are conducted professionally and lawfully.
The Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office said the operation forms part of its continuing efforts to curb the circulation of illegal drugs and firearms in the province.
The seized substance will remain subject to the appropriate forensic examination and legal proceedings, while the firearm and ammunition will likewise be processed as evidence in the case.
As the case moves forward, the arrested suspect remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a competent court.