IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – A coordinated anti-drug operation by law enforcement authorities led to the arrest of three suspected drug personalities and the seizure of more than ₱102,000 worth of suspected shabu during the implementation of a search warrant in Barangay Veterans Village, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, on July 23, 2026.
The operation was carried out at approximately 12:10 p.m. in Purok Gemelina, where authorities served a judicially issued search warrant against individuals suspected of involvement in illegal drug activities.
The joint operation was spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office and supported by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Zamboanga Sibugay, Ipil Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU), Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU) Zamboanga Sibugay, 106th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, Naval Intelligence and Security Unit 63, Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Western Mindanao, and the Philippine Coast Guard Intelligence Group (CGIU).
Arrested during the operation were three suspects identified only by their aliases: “Jerome,” 28; “Ivan,” 25; and “John,” 37.
Authorities recovered 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing approximately 15 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard market value of ₱102,000.00.
In addition to the suspected illegal drugs, operatives also confiscated various drug-related paraphernalia believed to have been used in the consumption and distribution of illegal substances. These included improvised tooters, a scooper, aluminum foil with suspected drug residue, disposable lighters, transparent plastic sachets, scissors, and other items commonly associated with illegal drug operations.
The recovered evidence was properly documented and will be subjected to laboratory examination as part of the case build-up.
The three arrested suspects are facing charges for violating Sections 6 (Maintenance of a Den, Dive or Resort), 7 (Employees and Visitors of a Drug Den), 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), 12 (Possession of Drug Paraphernalia), and 15 (Use of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities said the operation underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in dismantling illegal drug activities and preventing the proliferation of dangerous drugs in local communities.
PDEA Regional Office 9 reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven anti-drug operations and strengthening collaboration with partner law enforcement agencies, the military, and local stakeholders in pursuit of safer and drug-free communities throughout the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The agency also encouraged the public to continue supporting anti-illegal drug efforts by reporting suspicious drug-related activities to authorities, emphasizing that community participation remains a vital component in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.