Major Drug Bust in Zamboanga and Sulu Nets Eight Suspects and P122,400 in Shabu
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, law enforcement authorities have dismantled two drug dens and arrested eight individuals in separate operations across Zamboanga City and Sulu province. The coordinated raids, which took place on Sunday, March 22, 2026, resulted in the seizure of approximately P122,400 worth of suspected shabu, marking a substantial blow to local drug trafficking networks.
Intelligence-Driven Operation in Zamboanga City
According to Bryan Babang, director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in the Zamboanga Peninsula, the first operation targeted a drug den in Purok 14, Sinunuc village, Zamboanga City. Acting on intelligence, operatives armed with a search warrant swooped down on the location, arresting two suspects identified by their aliases as John Rick and Joemar.
During the raid, authorities confiscated around eight grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P54,400. Both suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violations of Sections 7, 13, and 14 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
However, two other individuals, known as aliases Jericho and Biboy, managed to escape through the rear exit of the house upon sensing the arrival of law enforcement. Jericho, alleged to be the drug den maintainer, and Biboy will be charged for violations of Sections 6 and 7 of the same law, as authorities continue their pursuit.
Buy-Bust Operation in Sulu Province
Simultaneously, a separate buy-bust operation was conducted in Sitio Bastiong, Langhub village, Patikul, Sulu, leading to the dismantling of another drug den. This operation resulted in the arrest of six suspects: Tawil (an employee), Kabir (the drug den maintainer), Al, Asgal, Organi, and Ben.
Despite the successful arrests, the alleged financier, alias Aljon, opened fire upon sensing law enforcement presence and managed to escape. "Despite swift tactical response, the suspect managed to escape and is now at large, prompting intensified manhunt operations," Babang stated in his report.
Seized items from this operation included:
- Approximately 10 grams of suspected shabu worth P68,000
- Buy-bust money
- A digital weighing scale
- A mobile phone
- Assorted drug paraphernalia
The arrested suspects will be charged for multiple violations under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, including Section 5 in relation to Section 26, and Sections 6, 7, 11, and 12.
Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts
Babang emphasized that the success of these anti-drug operations was made possible through strong collaboration among various agencies. The PDEA-Zamboanga City office worked closely with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-9, Zamboanga City Police Station 8, and the National Intelligence Coordination Agency, supported by military units.
This multi-agency approach demonstrates the power of unity in law enforcement, enhancing operational effectiveness and ensuring a coordinated response to drug-related crimes. The operations underscore ongoing efforts to combat illegal drug activities in the region, aiming to disrupt supply chains and hold perpetrators accountable.
As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant in tracking down the escaped suspects and further dismantling drug networks to safeguard communities from the harms of substance abuse.
