ZAMBOANGA CITY – Anti-drug operatives arrested four suspected high-value drug personalities and confiscated approximately 67 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at Php 455.6 million during a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City on Wednesday, November 11.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Zamboanga Peninsula (PDEA-9) identified the suspects by their aliases as Shermahal, 42; Sabirin, 45; Jul-Asbi, 54; and Abu-darda, 33, all residents of the city.
According to PDEA-9, the suspects were arrested at around 4:52 p.m. along Arcillas Street, Zone 4, Barangay Mercedes, after allegedly selling two plastic packs containing approximately two kilograms of suspected shabu to an undercover agent.
A subsequent search resulted in the confiscation of approximately 67 kilograms of suspected illegal drugs, a digital weighing scale, a sedan, two mobile phones, four identification cards and a money transfer transaction receipt.
Authorities said the seized drug packages bore the marking “8888,” which investigators are examining as part of efforts to trace the shipment’s origin and possible distribution network.
Barangay Mercedes chairperson Romeo Fayluga told authorities that the suspects had purchased property and had been staying in the community for about five months.
However, he said residents were unaware of any alleged illegal drug activities involving the suspects.
The operation was conducted by joint PDEA teams from the Zamboanga Peninsula, Cebu and National Capital Region, with assistance from the Zamboanga City Police Office and the police Regional Drug Enforcement Unit.
Investigators are working to determine the extent of the suspects’ alleged drug operations and whether they have connections to larger drug syndicates.
The four suspects remain in custody and face charges under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
