ZAMBOANGA CITY — Authorities confiscated approximately two kilograms of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱13.6 million during an early morning anti-illegal drug operation on Thursday, April 30, in Barangay Ayala.
The operation, conducted around 7:00 a.m. in Zone 6, was jointly carried out by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-9 (RDEU-9), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-9 (PDEA-9), and other law enforcement units, including personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Arrested during the buy-bust was a 29-year-old suspect identified as Nadzmer Jaji y Tulawie, also known by the alias “Kakah.” He is currently residing in Barangay Ayala but is originally from Jolo, Sulu.
Authorities reported that the suspect was caught in the act of selling illegal drugs to an undercover operative, leading to his immediate arrest. Seized from his possession were around two kilograms of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, a dangerous drug that continues to fuel criminal activities in the region.
The confiscated illegal substances were turned over to the appropriate forensic units for laboratory examination to confirm their composition.
Law enforcement officials described the operation as a significant blow to the local drug trade, emphasizing that the volume of drugs recovered could have affected numerous communities if it had reached the streets.
The suspect is now under police custody and is expected to face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the illegal drugs and to identify possible accomplices or links to a larger drug network operating within and outside the region.
Officials reiterated their commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations as part of the government’s campaign to curb the proliferation of illegal substances.