(Photo by PNP-PIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police arrested a high-value drug suspect and confiscated approximately three kilograms of suspected shabu worth Php 20.4 million during a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City on October 7, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported.
The operation took place along Calle Real in Barangay Mercedes and involved personnel from the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 9, Police Drug Enforcement Group, Maritime Group, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, Special Action Force, and Zamboanga City Police Office.
Authorities recovered the suspected illegal drugs, buy-bust money, and other non-drug items during the operation.
The confiscated substance was submitted to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for quantitative and qualitative examination to determine its composition and weight.
The arrested suspect remains in police custody pending appropriate legal proceedings.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the operation highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and coordination among law enforcement agencies in combating illegal drug activities.
“We have to stay focused on the people and activities behind the drug trade. This operation shows what can be achieved when our units work closely with our partner agencies and act on verified information,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its Enhanced Managing Police Operations (EMPO) initiative, which focuses on coordinated police actions against criminal activities and public safety threats.
The agency reiterated its commitment to intensifying anti-illegal drug operations while observing established legal procedures and protecting the rights of individuals under police custody.
