PAYAO, Zamboanga Sibugay — A 61-year-old man was arrested and approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated standard value of ₱340,000, were seized during a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) buy-bust operation in Barangay Silal, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, on the morning of October 20, 2026.
The operation was conducted at around 9:15 a.m. by personnel of the PDEA Regional Office IX, through its Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office, targeting a suspected illegal drug personality identified by the alias “Jing,” a resident of Barangay Silal.
Authorities reported confiscating one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu. The substance weighed approximately 50 grams and carried an estimated standard value of ₱340,000.
Also recovered during the operation were buy-bust money, a paper bag and a mobile phone. Authorities did not provide further details about the intended destination of the suspected drugs or whether additional individuals were being investigated in connection with the case.
Multiple agencies support anti-drug operation
The operation involved coordinated efforts among several law enforcement and security agencies. Aside from PDEA RO9’s Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Office, the participating units included the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit–Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Unit 9, the Payao Municipal Police Station, the Philippine Army’s 106th Infantry Battalion, and Naval Intelligence and Support Unit 63.
The multi-agency operation highlights the continuing coordination among anti-drug enforcement personnel, police, military and naval intelligence units in conducting operations against suspected illegal drug activities in the province.
However, the arrest and seizure alone do not establish the full extent of the suspected drug activity or whether the arrested individual was connected to a wider distribution network. Such matters would have to be established through the investigation and judicial proceedings.
Suspect faces charges under Dangerous Drugs Act
PDEA said the arrested suspect would face a complaint for alleged violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Section 5 penalizes the unauthorized sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation of dangerous drugs, among other prohibited acts.
The filing of a complaint does not constitute a finding of guilt. The allegations against the suspect must be established through the appropriate legal process, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a competent court.
The operation forms part of PDEA RO9’s continuing campaign against illegal drugs, conducted in coordination with partner agencies. The successful prosecution of drug-related cases, however, depends not only on arrests and seizures but also on the integrity of evidence, compliance with legal procedures and the outcome of court proceedings.
Authorities have not provided additional information on the suspect’s detention, the filing status of the complaint or the next steps in the investigation.