Authorities in Zamboanga City scored a significant victory in the war against illegal drugs this weekend, apprehending four high-value targets and seizing narcotics with a street value exceeding two million pesos.
Coordinated Operations Net Major Haul
According to Police Brigadier General Edwin Quilates, director of the Police Regional Office–Zamboanga Peninsula, the successful interdiction was the result of two meticulously planned buy-bust operations conducted on Friday, December 5. The operations led to the arrest of four individuals classified as high-value targets (HVTs) in the regional drug trade.
First Operation in Baliwasan Village
The first strike occurred around 6:20 p.m. in Baliwasan village. Law enforcement agents captured two suspects: a 38-year-old man from Baliwasan, Zamboanga City, and a 33-year-old resident of Taglibi village in Patikul, Sulu. From this pair, operatives confiscated approximately 50 grams of suspected shabu, valued at around P340,000 based on standard drug prices. The suspects were subsequently placed under the custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 5 for the filing of formal charges.
Second Bust in Sinunuc Village
Just hours later, a second team moved in at 9:33 p.m. in Purok 1, Sinunuc village. This operation resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old from Luuk, Sulu, and a 30-year-old from Sitio Asinan, Kasanyangan village in Zamboanga City. The seizure from this duo was substantially larger, amounting to roughly 250 grams of suspected shabu. The drugs were packed in five heat-sealed plastic sachets with an estimated street value of P1.7 million. These individuals were turned over to the Zamboanga City Police Station 11 detention facility to undergo inquest proceedings.
Commendation and Call for Public Vigilance
Brig. Gen. Quilates lauded the operating units, which included both police and military personnel, for their effective, coordinated, and well-executed operations. The combined efforts led to the total confiscation of suspected shabu worth P2,040,000 and the neutralization of four key players in the local drug network.
In his statement on Saturday, December 6, Quilates emphasized the importance of community support. He called upon the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement initiatives. Such partnership is deemed crucial in the ongoing campaign to ensure a safer and drug-free Zamboanga Peninsula.
