Major Drug Bust in Zamboanga Peninsula Nets P13.7 Million in Shabu
In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, law enforcement authorities in the Zamboanga Peninsula successfully arrested two suspects and seized a substantial amount of shabu valued at over P13.7 million in separate operations over the weekend. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) confirmed the details of the sting on Sunday, November 9.
High-Value Target and Accomplice Apprehended
According to Bryan Babang, the Regional Director of PDEA-Zamboanga Peninsula, the operations led to the capture of a high-value individual and another suspect. The HVT was identified as alias Gamar, 41, a resident of Isabela City, Basilan, who works as a tricycle driver. The second individual arrested was alias Edwin, 46, a construction worker from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.
The first operation targeted Gamar in a buy-bust that took place at approximately 8:50 p.m. on Saturday, November 8, in Talisayan village, Zamboanga City. The seizure from him was substantial, including around two kilograms of shabu with an estimated street value of P13.6 million.
In addition to the illegal drugs, agents also recovered a .40-caliber pistol, boodle money used in the operation, and various paraphernalia used for packaging and distributing drugs. As a result, Gamar will face charges not only for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 but also for infringing the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
Second Operation Yields More Contraband
Earlier on the same day, at around 3:40 p.m., the second suspect, Edwin, was arrested in a similar buy-bust operation conducted in Tiguma village, Pagadian City. From him, authorities confiscated approximately 25 grams of shabu worth P170,000, along with non-drug items such as drug paraphernalia and the marked money from the sting operation. Edwin will be charged for his violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
These coordinated anti-drug missions were a joint effort, carried out by PDEA agents with support from police and military intelligence operatives, showcasing the continued collaboration between government agencies in the fight against illegal substances.
