Major Drug Bust in Zamboanga City Nets P6.8 Million in Shabu on Easter Sunday
Law enforcement authorities in Zamboanga City have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal drugs, arresting one suspect and seizing approximately P6.8 million worth of suspected shabu during an anti-drug operation on Easter Sunday, April 5. The operation, which took place in Calle Amor, Lunzuran village, represents a critical blow to drug trafficking activities in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
According to Bryan Babang, the director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for the Zamboanga Peninsula, the arrested suspect has been identified as alias Mahadil, a 37-year-old resident of Zamboanga City. The arrest occurred at approximately 7:38 a.m. on April 5, following a meticulously planned buy-bust operation conducted by PDEA agents.
Authorities reported that the items confiscated from Mahadil included:
- One kilogram of suspected shabu, packaged in four heat-sealed transparent plastic packs
- Five bundles of boodle money, topped with one genuine P1,000 marked bill used in the operation
- Various identification cards
- A sling bag and a paper bag
The estimated street value of the seized drugs is P6.8 million, underscoring the scale of this illicit operation. Following the arrest, Mahadil has been detained as authorities prepare to file charges against him for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Second Major Drug Operation in a Week
This recent bust marks the second significant anti-drug operation led by PDEA in the Zamboanga Peninsula within just one week. The first operation took place on Tuesday, March 31, in the boundary area between Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Licomo village, Zamboanga City.
During that earlier incident, a shootout ensued, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, one of whom sustained injuries. Law enforcement officials successfully confiscated P3.4 million worth of suspected shabu from the individuals involved. These back-to-back operations highlight the intensified efforts by PDEA to combat drug trafficking in the region.
The consecutive successes demonstrate a proactive approach by authorities, particularly during the holiday period, to disrupt drug networks and prevent the distribution of illegal substances in Zamboanga City and surrounding areas.
