A joint anti-drug operation led to the arrest of a 27-year-old man and the seizure of approximately 100 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱680,000 in Zamboanga City on Thursday evening, November 12, 2026.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Kol,” married and a resident of Barangay Sta. Barbara, was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted at around 8:40 p.m. along Don Alfaro Street in Barangay Tetuan.
The operation was spearheaded by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office IX (PDEA RO9), through its Zamboanga City Office, in coordination with the Zamboanga City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit (ZCPO-CDEU) and the Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion 9 (RMFB 9).
Anti-drug operatives reportedly recovered two heat-sealed transparent plastic packs containing white crystalline substances believed to be shabu, with a combined estimated weight of 100 grams and a market value of approximately ₱680,000.
Authorities also confiscated the buy-bust money allegedly used during the transaction, along with a white paper bag, one mobile phone, and a driver’s license.
The seizure represents another significant drug enforcement operation in the city, where authorities continue to target individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. However, the confiscated substance remains subject to forensic examination to establish its identity and composition.
The arrested suspect is expected to face charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which penalizes the unauthorized sale, trading, administration, dispensing, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs.
The suspect’s arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. He remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence and due process as the case proceeds through the legal system.