ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Anti-narcotics authorities seized approximately one kilogram of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of ₱6.8 million and arrested a 35-year-old man during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tugbungan, Zamboanga City, on October 23, 2026.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 (PDEA RO9) reported that the operation was conducted at approximately 2:15 p.m. in Lopez Subdivision, Barangay Tugbungan, by its Regional Special Enforcement Team 1 (RSET1), in coordination with the PDEA Zamboanga City Office and the Naval Intelligence and Security Group–Western Mindanao.
The arrested suspect, identified only by the alias Nildo, is a 35-year-old unemployed man and a resident of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, according to the agency.
Authorities said the operation resulted in the confiscation of approximately one kilogram of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, valued at an estimated ₱6.8 million.
Other evidence reportedly recovered during the operation included packaging materials, bags, marked buy-bust money, a cellular phone, identification cards, a sling bag, and a wallet.
The suspect was arrested 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.
PDEA said the suspect remained in the custody of authorities as investigators proceeded with the documentation of the operation and the preparation of the appropriate criminal charges.
The seizure highlights the continuing anti-illegal drug operations being conducted by PDEA and its partner law enforcement agencies in Zamboanga City and other parts of the region. The agency said it would continue coordinating with its law enforcement partners to disrupt suspected drug networks and strengthen efforts against the illegal drug trade.
The case remains subject to the legal process. The allegations against the arrested man have yet to be established in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.