May 1, 2025 – Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay
In a dramatic turn of events early this morning, police officers from the Tungawan Municipal Police Station (MPS) intercepted a vehicle carrying illegal drugs valued at approximately Php 1.68 million during a routine checkpoint in Barangay San Pedro, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
At around 9:45 AM, authorities flagged down a white Toyota Fortuner with plate number AOA1427 at the Border Control Point for a standard inspection. The vehicle initially came to a stop but suddenly sped off, ignoring police orders and crashing through the checkpoint barricade.
A hot pursuit and dragnet operation was immediately launched. The fleeing vehicle was later discovered abandoned along a rough road in Purok 4, Barangay Tigpalay. The driver had escaped on foot into a bushy area and remains at large as of press time.
Recovered from the vehicle were 14 bricks of suspected marijuana, two brown boxes marked “YGT,” and the Toyota Fortuner itself. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) estimated the market value of the confiscated marijuana at Php 1,680,000. The PDEA K9 Unit from Zamboanga City assisted in confirming the presence of illegal drugs.
A photocopy of a driver’s license found inside the SUV led authorities to identify the suspect as an adult male from Dalican, Poblacion, Datu Odin. His identity was further corroborated by an eyewitness at the scene.
An inventory of the seized items was conducted in the presence of barangay officials and a media representative to ensure transparency and proper documentation.
PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo, Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Director, commended the swift action of the officers involved. “This operation is a testament to the vigilance and swift coordination of our personnel on the ground. We assure the public that all necessary efforts are being made to locate and apprehend the suspect. Our commitment to eradicating illegal drugs in the province remains steadfast,” he stated.
Authorities continue to conduct follow-up operations to track down the suspect and dismantle any networks connected to the illegal shipment.