Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur – A joint anti-drug operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Regional Office 9 – Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office and allied law enforcement units successfully apprehended a suspected drug personality at Purok Makugihon, Barangay Santiago, Pagadian City, at 12:15 PM on January 11, 2025.
The coordinated effort, which involved the PDEA Regional Special Enforcement Team, the Pagadian City Police Station, and the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG), resulted in the arrest of Rofel Lizardo, a 24-year-old college student from Barangay San Isidro, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.
Authorities seized approximately six grams of suspected shabu, valued at an estimated Php40,800. Also confiscated during the operation were several items, including open-end transparent plastic sachets with suspected shabu residue, a coin purse, a black Tecno cellular phone with a black casing, an open-end transparent plastic sachet used as a container for the 11 heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu, a self-sealing plastic sachet used for sachets with residue, and the marked buy-bust money.
The suspect will face charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
This operation underscores the unwavering commitment of PDEA RO IX and its partner agencies in the fight against illegal drugs. The agency has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring safer and drug-free communities in Zamboanga del Sur and beyond.
Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious drug-related activities to the authorities to further strengthen efforts against the drug menace.