Photo credit to Ely Dumaboc
₱68-M Worth of Shabu Seized at Pagadian Checkpoint; Cotabato Driver Arrested
Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, April 29, 2026- A A routine checkpoint operation targeting suspected “hot cars” resulted in a major anti-drug breakthrough after authorities intercepted an estimated ₱68 million worth of suspected shabu in Pagadian City on Tuesday.
The operation, conducted in Barangay Buenavista, was led by the Provincial Highway Patrol Team of Zamboanga del Sur (PHPT-ZDS) under Police Major Jason Ray Z. Gomera, in coordination with local police units, SOT-Molave, and the 902nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
Initial reports revealed that the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) was merely conducting a standard checkpoint when they flagged down a white “bao-bao” (motorized tricycle) bearing plate number J553TM, reportedly from Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay. The vehicle was stopped due to a traffic violation involving an unusual modification resembling wing-like extensions at the rear portion.
Following standard procedure, the driver—identified as a resident of Labangan, was issued a citation ticket. A minor was also reportedly on board at the time. After the occupants were allowed to leave, the vehicle was impounded by authorities for further inspection.
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It was during this process that officers noticed irregularities in the structure of the vehicle. A closer examination led to the discovery of a concealed compartment built into the unit, where large packages containing suspected illegal drugs were found.
Authorities immediately sought assistance from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group to process the find.
Recovered from the hidden compartment were ten large vacuum-sealed packages containing a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, or “shabu.” The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 10 kilograms, with an estimated street value of ₱68 million.
The inventory and documentation of the seized items were conducted in the presence of media representatives and barangay officials to ensure transparency.
Police Brigadier General Edwin Quilates, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 9, commended the vigilance of the operating units. He emphasized that strict enforcement of checkpoint operations under “Oplan Sita” and anti-carnapping measures continues to play a crucial role in intercepting illegal drugs and other criminal activities moving across regions.
The confiscated evidence has been turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group for proper handling, while the suspect remains in police custody. Authorities are now conducting a deeper investigation to trace the origin of the illegal drugs and determine their intended destination within the Zamboanga Peninsula.
