ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities arrested a 30-year-old man identified as a police-designated high-value individual (HVI) after a joint anti-illegal drug buy-bust operation led to the seizure of approximately three kilograms of suspected shabu valued at an estimated ₱20.4 million in Zamboanga City on Wednesday afternoon, October 7, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 3:55 p.m. along Calle Real in Barangay Mercedes, according to the police report.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Kah,” is 30 years old, married, unemployed, and reportedly a resident of Gata, Talipao, Sulu.
Police said the operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 3,000 grams, or three kilograms, of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu. Authorities placed the estimated value of the seized substance at ₱20.4 million based on the standard drug price cited in the report.
Aside from the suspected illegal drugs, operatives also recovered one genuine ₱1,000 marked bill allegedly used in the transaction and 2,399 counterfeit ₱1,000 bills, with a total face value of approximately ₱2.399 million.
According to the police report, the counterfeit bills reportedly carried identical serial numbers. Authorities said the suspect allegedly failed to notice the similarity of the serial numbers during the transaction.
The operation also resulted in the confiscation of several eco bags, plastic cellophane and paper bags, which authorities said were used to transport or conceal the suspected drugs and money.
The operation was led by PCPT Vincent E. Perez of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) under the direct supervision of PLTCOL Moh Madzdie-Aziz K. Mukaram and PCOL Narciso C. Paragas, with personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and various Philippine National Police units taking part in the operation.
Following the seizure, the suspected shabu will be submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for quantitative and qualitative laboratory examination. The testing is expected to establish the precise weight and confirm the chemical identity of the substance recovered during the operation.
The suspect has been placed under temporary custody at the Zamboanga City Police Station 4 detention facility while authorities process the appropriate legal proceedings.
Police said the suspect will face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities have not yet disclosed further details regarding the alleged source of the drugs or the intended recipients of the shipment. Such matters will form part of the continuing investigation.
The suspect remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.