Major P72.5 Million Drug Seizure in Southern Philippines Leads to Three Arrests
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Philippine law enforcement agencies have confiscated approximately P72.5 million worth of illegal drugs and apprehended three suspects in coordinated operations across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Zamboanga Peninsula. The arrests, which took place on Monday, January 26, 2026, highlight ongoing efforts to combat the drug trade in these southern regions.
High-Value Arrests in Tawi-Tawi Include Foreign National
According to Benjamin Recites III, Director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in BARMM (PDEA-Barmm), two of the suspects were captured during a buy-bust operation at a hotel in Pasiagan village, Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi province. The individuals arrested include a Malaysian national identified by the alias Chomen and a former youth village councilor known as alias Jerry.
During this operation, authorities seized a substantial quantity of dried Marijuana Kush valued at P70.8 million. The drugs were found packed in various sizes of vacuum-sealed transparent plastic bags, indicating a sophisticated packaging method. Recites emphasized that the suspects are currently detained at the Bongao Municipal Police Station, awaiting the filing of formal charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
This anti-drug initiative was a collaborative effort involving PDEA operatives, supported by local police and military forces in Tawi-Tawi, showcasing a multi-agency approach to law enforcement in the area.
Additional Arrest in Zamboanga City Targets High-Value Individual
In a separate but related operation, the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula arrested another suspect in Zamboanga City. Although the identity has not been publicly released, police described the individual as a 50-year-old male resident of Paragas Drive, Talon-Talon village. This suspect, classified as a high-value individual in the drug trade, was apprehended during a buy-bust at his residence on the same day, January 26.
From this arrest, law enforcement officers confiscated 250 grams of shabu (methamphetamine) packed in five heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets, with an estimated street value of P1.7 million. Additionally, buy-bust money was recovered as part of the evidence. Similar to the Tawi-Tawi case, this suspect will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The combined efforts in these regions underscore a robust response to drug-related activities, with the total seizure amounting to P72.5 million. These operations reflect the ongoing commitment of Philippine authorities to disrupt narcotics networks and enhance public safety in Mindanao and surrounding areas.
