Three suspects were arrested after authorities seized around P34 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City.
Police said the operation was carried out by joint regional drug enforcement units and partner law enforcement agencies at the basement parking area of a commercial establishment in Barangay Zone IV.
The suspects were arrested after operatives completed the transaction, which led to the confiscation of about five kilograms of suspected shabu.
Authorities also recovered a marked buy-bust bill, bundles of counterfeit money amounting to about P3.6 million, drug packaging materials, and a vehicle believed to have been used in the illegal drug transaction.
The seized items were turned over to the appropriate forensic unit for examination.
The suspects are now under the custody of the Zamboanga City Police Station 11 for documentation and inquest proceedings.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for the coordinated operation and their sustained intelligence-driven campaign against illegal drugs.
“Ang PNP ay hindi titigil sa paglaban sa illegal drugs. Gagawin natin ito nang maayos, makatao, at alinsunod sa batas, para sa kaligtasan ng ating mga komunidad,” Nartatez said.
The PNP said the operation forms part of its Focused Agenda under the Enhanced Managing Police Operations framework, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen law enforcement and promote safer communities nationwide.