By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.

TWIN BUY-BUST. Authorities seize PHP10.2 million worth of shabu from three suspected drug dealers during two anti-drug operations in Zamboanga City on Saturday (March 14, 2026). Left photo shows a suspect arrested in Barangay Zone 4 with PHP6.4 million worth of shabu, while the two others suspects were arrested in Barangay Canelar with PHP3.4 million worth of shabu. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities arrested three suspected drug dealers and seized some PHP10.2 million worth of illegal drugs in separate anti-drug operations here Saturday.

In his report Sunday, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga Peninsula Director Bryan Babang said “Brandon,” a resident of this city, was nabbed around 7:50 p.m. in a buy-bust along Corcuera Street in Barangay Zone 4.

Recovered from his possession were a kilogram of suspected shabu packed in a resealable plastic bag worth PHP6.8 million, buy-bust money, a mobile phone, and a car used in the delivery of illegal drugs.

“Arnold” and “Ben” were arrested in a buy-bust outside a hotel in Barangay Canelar around 4:45 p.m. They were carrying some 500 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP3.4 million.

Babang said the three will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

“The two anti-drug operations were launched after the suspects agreed to complete the illegal drug transactions with undercover agents, “he said. (PNA)