ZAMBOANGA CITY — A former member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who allegedly turned to the illegal drug trade was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Canelar, Zamboanga City, on Tuesday morning, August 19, 2025.
The suspect, identified by authorities only through the alias “Badri,” is a 52-year-old businessman and considered a high-value drug target in the region. He was caught by operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 9 during a joint operation supported by the Zamboanga City Office, the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), the City Intelligence Unit (CIU), and the AFP’s Task Force Zamboanga.
Confiscated from the former soldier were four kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of ₱27.2 million. The drugs were found concealed inside Chinese tea packaging labeled “Guanyinwang,” a notorious brand linked to international smuggling syndicates.
Aside from the contraband, authorities also seized a Nissan Navarra, boodle money layered with genuine ₱1,000 bills, several mobile phones, a national ID, and other incriminating evidence.
PDEA Region 9 said the arrest of “Badri” is a significant breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against illegal drugs, stressing the dangers of former uniformed personnel exploiting their knowledge and networks for criminal activities.
The suspect will face charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities vowed to intensify operations against drug syndicates in Western Mindanao, noting that the involvement of ex-military personnel highlights the persistent challenges in the country’s fight against illegal drugs.