Major Drug Bust in Zamboanga City
Authorities in Zamboanga City have successfully intercepted a significant quantity of illegal drugs, with an estimated street value of P1.7 million, following the arrest of a high-value individual (HVI) and his associate. The coordinated anti-drug operation took place on Saturday, November 29, in the bustling area of Baliwasan village.
Operation Details and Arrests
The suspects, identified only as a 35-year-old from Rio Hondo and a 60-year-old from Baliwasan, were apprehended during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation at approximately 5:02 p.m. Police Brigadier General Edwin Quilates, the director of the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula, confirmed the details of the arrest but withheld the identities of the individuals.
During the operation, law enforcement agents recovered around 250 grams of suspected shabu, along with the marked money used in the undercover transaction. The seizure represents a major blow to local drug distribution networks operating within the city.
Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following their capture, the two suspects were immediately transported for processing. They were first brought to the Regional Forensic Unit-9 for mandatory drug testing and then to the Zamboanga City Medical Center for a thorough medical examination.
The suspects are currently under the temporary custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 11, where police are diligently preparing the necessary criminal charges. The charges will be filed under the stringent Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
General Quilates praised the operating units from various police and intelligence divisions for their decisive and intelligence-driven actions. He emphasized that such relentless and lawful operations are crucial to dismantling drug networks and stopping the flow of illegal substances at every level. The police force remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting communities and eliminating the drug menace in Zamboanga City.
