Photo credit to Ely Dumaboc
₱6.8-M Worth of ‘Brown Shabu’ Seized in Zamboanga City Morning Operation
with Reports from Ely DumabocZAMBOANGA CITY - A high-value drug suspect was arrested in an early morning buy-bust operation on Sunday, April 5, after authorities intercepted a large shipment of suspected “brown shabu” in Calle Amor, Barangay Lunzuran. The operation, conducted at around 7:38 a.m., led to the arrest of a 37-year-old habal-habal driver known by the alias “Mahang.”
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga City Office spearheaded the operation, with support from PDEA units in Sulu and Isabela City, the Regional Special Enforcement Teams (RSET 1 and 2), the Philippine National Police Zamboanga City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit, and the RMFB 9 Technical Support Company. Authorities said the suspect, despite being a college graduate, was allegedly involved in illegal drug distribution activities. Seized from his possession was approximately one kilogram of a brownish crystalline substance believed to be a potent form of methamphetamine hydrochloride.
The confiscated drugs were contained in four heat-sealed transparent plastic packs, with an estimated street value of ₱6,800,000. An on-site inventory of the seized items was conducted in the presence of media representative Boris Ituralde and Barangay Kagawad Pedro Legazpi to ensure transparency in the operation.
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The suspect is now facing charges for violations of Section 5 (sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs) and Section 11 (possession of dangerous drugs) under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“All operating personnel are safe and accounted for,” PDEA reported, describing the operation as a successful effort in curbing illegal drug activities in the region. The suspect remains in custody while awaiting inquest proceedings.
