BIGGEST HAUL. Anti-narcotics operatives conduct an accounting of the PHP142.5 million worth of 'shabu' seized from four alleged big-time drug peddlers following a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City on Thursday night (May 2, 2024). The PDEA-9 said it was the biggest recorded drug haul so far in the Zamboanga Peninsula. (Photo from PDEA-9)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Anti-narcotics operatives here busted four big-time illegal drug peddlers and seized a record-breaking 21.4 kilos of suspected shabu with a street value of PHP145.5 million on Thursday night.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 9 Director Maharani Gadaoni-Tosoc said it was the biggest illegal drug haul in the history of PDEA in Zamboanga Peninsula.
The four arrested drug peddlers were identified as Wilson Sahiban, 25; Junjimar Hajili Aiyob, 29; Jimy Sahibol, 30; and Abdurahman Abdulhakim, 27.
Also confiscated from the suspects during the 7 p.m. buy-bust in Sallam Drive, Barangay Mampang, were a 45-caliber pistol, magazine, and live ammunition
Tosoc said the suspects would be charged with violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives.
“This major seizure dealt a significant blow to the illegal drug trade network operating within the region, disrupting supply chains and thwarting attempts to distribute narcotics into local communities,” PDEA-9 said in a statement. (PNA)
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