TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay — A high-value drug personality was arrested during a joint anti-drug operation led by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office (PDEA-ZSPO) on Wednesday evening, April 17.
The coordinated operation, conducted at around 7:45 p.m. in Purok Adelfa, Barangay Libertad, involved the Tungawan Municipal Police Station, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU), and the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU).
Authorities targeted a known drug suspect in the area, which resulted in the confiscation of illegal drugs, firearms, and other items. Seized during the buy-bust were three heat-sealed plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, weighing approximately 150 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 1,020,000.
Also recovered were a red plastic sando bag used to store the illegal drugs, a bundle of boodle money topped with a genuine PHP 1,000 bill, a caliber .45 Colt Remington pistol with live ammunition, a black waist bag, assorted identification and ATM cards, and PHP 600 in cash.
During the operation, the suspect reportedly resisted arrest and engaged the authorities in a brief exchange of gunfire during a hot pursuit. The suspect sustained a gunshot wound to the left torso and was immediately rushed to the nearest Rural Health Unit (RHU) by personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for medical treatment.
All confiscated items were turned over to PDEA-ZSPO for proper documentation and disposition.
In a statement, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo commended the successful operation, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the fight against illegal drugs.
“This successful operation demonstrates the strong collaboration between PDEA, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies in our ongoing efforts to combat the illegal drug trade and ensure the safety and security of communities in Zamboanga Sibugay. We are all committed to a shared mission of upholding the law and ensuring a safe and fair election,” Dasugo said.
Authorities continue to strengthen their campaign against illegal drugs to safeguard local communities.