02/05/2026
OVER ₱13.6-M WORTH OF SHABU SEIZED; HIGH-VALUE SUSPECT ARRESTED IN ZAMBOANGA CITY
The Philippine National Police (PNP), through a coordinated multi-agency anti-illegal drugs operation in Zamboanga City, successfully intercepted a substantial quantity of suspected shabu with standard drug price of ₱13.6 million in the early morning of April 30, 2026.
Based on initial reports, operatives implemented the operation at around 7:18 AM along Zone 6, Kalye San Vicente, Barangay Ayala, resulting in the recovery of approximately 2,000 grams of suspected shabu.
A 29-year-old Filipino male, identified as a resident of Barangay Ayala and originally from Jolo, Sulu, was taken into custody during the operation. The individual is currently considered a High-Value Individual in the illegal drug watchlist.
The operation was carried out by joint elements of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 9, Special Enforcement Teams, Naval Intelligence and Security Group – Western Mindanao, PDEG-Special Operations Units 9, 1st Special Operations Unit Maritime Group, 904th Mobile Company RMFB9, Zamboanga City Maritime Police Station, and Zamboanga City Police Station 9, underscoring strengthened inter-agency coordination in addressing illegal drugs at the local level.
Authorities confirmed that the suspect is now under the custody of Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for proper documentation and legal disposition.
PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., emphasized that the successful operation reflects the organization’s sustained commitment to the national campaign against illegal drugs.
“Patuloy po ang ating operasyon laban sa ilegal na droga. We are firm, but we remain committed to due process. Ang layunin natin ay hindi lang mahuli, kundi maprotektahan ang ating mga komunidad mula sa pinsalang dulot ng ilegal na droga,” PGEN Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to intensify law enforcement while ensuring all actions remain lawful and respectful of human rights. It also supports the PNP Focused Agenda, particularly Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which strengthens intelligence-driven and coordinated enforcement nationwide.
As investigations continue, the PNP assured the public that it will remain relentless in its campaign against illegal drugs while upholding accountability and professionalism in all operations, in support of the vision of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)