ZAMBOANGA CITY — Anti-narcotics operatives arrested two suspected high-value drug targets and seized approximately 500 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, with an official government valuation of ₱3.4 million during a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Lunzuran on Tuesday afternoon, October 13, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 4:24 p.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Lunzuran, by personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office IX–Zamboanga City Office, in coordination with other anti-drug units and police personnel.
The two arrested suspects were identified by their aliases as “Simihag,” 50, and “Madz,” a resident of Barangay Mercedes, Zamboanga City. Authorities classified both individuals as high-value targets (HVTs) in the campaign against illegal drugs.
The operation was spearheaded by PDEA personnel, with support from the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team 2 and the PDEA Sulu Provincial Office. Members of the Zamboanga City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit (ZCPO-CDEU) and the Technical Support Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (TSC RMFB 9) also participated.
Suspected shabu recovered during sting
Authorities reportedly recovered an unsealed transparent plastic package containing an estimated 500 grams of a white crystalline substance suspected to be shabu. The package reportedly bore a goldfish emblem.
The confiscated substance was assigned an official government valuation of ₱3.4 million, while its reported street value was placed at approximately ₱500,000.
Operatives also recovered five bundles of boodle money, with a genuine ₱1,000 bill bearing serial number BZ0531449 placed on top. The money was reportedly used in the simulated ₱500,000 transaction during the buy-bust operation.
The recovery of the suspected illegal drugs and transaction money forms part of the evidence that authorities are expected to present in the investigation and prosecution of the two suspects.
Vehicle, identification documents, and other items seized
Aside from the suspected shabu and boodle money, authorities confiscated a beige-and-black Suzuki minivan, its ignition key, and vehicle registration documents issued by the Land Transportation Office.
Other items reportedly recovered included two wallets, a basic keypad mobile phone, two belt bags, the driver’s licenses of both suspects, a brown paper bag, and a Western Union receipt.
The seized items are expected to be inventoried and processed in accordance with applicable procedures as authorities prepare the case against the arrested individuals.
Suspects face charges under Dangerous Drugs Act
The two suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Section 5, in relation to Section 26(b), Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Section 5 penalizes the unauthorized sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 26(b) addresses attempts or conspiracies involving the illegal sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, or transportation of dangerous drugs.
The filing of formal charges and the subsequent proceedings will determine the legal accountability of the arrested individuals. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings, and both suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
The operation underscores the continuing efforts of anti-narcotics authorities and law enforcement agencies to disrupt suspected illegal drug transactions in Zamboanga City.
The identities of the suspects are presented using the aliases provided in the available report. The reported drug quantities and valuations remain subject to confirmation through the appropriate forensic examination and official documentation.