ZAMBOANGA CITY — A major anti-drug operation delivered a significant setback to illegal narcotics networks after authorities arrested a high-value suspect and confiscated nearly ₱7.5 million worth of suspected shabu in a late-night buy-bust on April 16.
Operatives seized approximately 1,100 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride—locally known as shabu—during the intelligence-driven operation conducted around 10:12 p.m. in Purok 7B, Barangay Recodo, a coastal community in this city.
The 52-year-old suspect, identified as a resident of Barangay Recodo and a native of Pababag in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, was apprehended on-site after allegedly transacting with an undercover operative. Authorities classified the individual as a high-value target, indicating his alleged involvement in large-scale drug distribution.
The operation was carried out through a coordinated effort among multiple law enforcement and security units, including the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 9, and the Regional Intelligence Division 9. They were supported by personnel from the Lamitan City Police Station under the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Western Mindanao, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group, the Maritime Group’s 1st Special Operations Unit, the 904th Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9, and local police units from Zamboanga City.
Authorities recovered fourteen heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, including the marked buy-bust items. The illegal drugs are set to undergo laboratory examination by the Regional Forensic Unit 9 to determine their exact composition and weight.
The suspect is currently detained at the Zamboanga City Police Station 9 and is facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, which penalizes the sale, distribution, and possession of illegal drugs in the country.
Edwin A. Quilates, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 9, commended the joint operating teams for what he described as a “successful and impactful” operation.
“This successful operation highlights the strength of our unified efforts in combating illegal drugs,” Quilates said. “Let this serve as a strong warning to those who continue to engage in the drug trade—Police Regional Office 9 remains relentless and uncompromising in its campaign.”
He further emphasized that authorities will sustain and intensify anti-drug operations across the region through enhanced intelligence-sharing and inter-agency collaboration to curb the proliferation of illegal substances.
The Police Regional Office 9 reiterated its commitment to safeguarding communities across the Zamboanga Peninsula, underscoring that aggressive enforcement actions will continue to target both street-level dealers and higher-value individuals linked to the illegal drug trade.