The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) had achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing fight against illegal drugs with the successful execution of a joint anti-drug operation in Zamboanga City. The operation, which was conducted by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 (RDEU 9) in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Zamboanga City Office and the Zamboanga City Police Station 6, had resulted in the seizure of a massive quantity of shabu (methamphetamine) worth at an estimated PhP29,920,000. The operation, which took place in Palawan Zone II, Barangay Divisoria, at 11:05 AM, was a testament to the diligent efforts of PRO 9 in combating illegal drugs in the region.
The operation led to the arrest of a 40-year-old male suspect, who was found in possession of the illegal drugs. Authorities had seized a total of eight heat-sealed and four vacuum-sealed plastic packs containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu. The estimated street value of the drugs, based on standard drug pricing, was approximately PhP29,920,000. This operation not only resulted to the arrest of a key drug suspect but also had dismantled a portion of the illegal drug supply chain in the Zamboanga Peninsula, which is vital for the region’s safety and security.
The operation had underscored the effectiveness of PRO 9’s commitment to ridding the region of illegal drugs, with the combined efforts of its law enforcement units, including PDEA and the Zamboanga City Police. In an era where the fight against drug syndicates is intensifying, this operation had marked another critical victory in PRO 9’s ongoing war against drugs. Following the successful seizure, the suspect was immediately placed in police custody while the confiscated drugs were transported to the Regional Forensic Unit 9 for further laboratory analysis, ensuring that proper legal procedures were followed.
PBGen Bowenn Joey M. Masauding, the Regional Director of PRO 9, had commended the operatives for their dedication and professionalism in carrying out the operation. He expressed his pride in the courage and skill demonstrated by the RDEU 9 operatives, as well as the invaluable assistance from PDEA and the National Intelligence Support Group-Western Mindanao (NISG-WM). In his statement, PBGen Masauding said: “Ako ay nagagalak sa pinakitang tapang at husay ng mga operatiba ng Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 at sa tulong ng PDEA at NISG-WM sa sunod-sunod na matagumpay na operasyon kontra droga.” (I am pleased with the bravery and excellence shown by the operatives of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9, with the help of PDEA and NISG-WM in our successful anti-drug operations.)
PBGen Masauding had further emphasized that the operation was part of PRO 9’s broader mission to continue ramping up its efforts in the fight against illegal drugs in the region. He also highlighted that PRO 9’s commitment to ensuring the Zamboanga Peninsula remains a safe, drug-free region for all its residents which remains a top priority. With the successful operations against drug syndicates in recent months, PRO 9 has been unwavering in its mission to protect the community from the damaging effects of illegal drug use and trafficking.
As part of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s strategic initiative to combat illegal drug activities nationwide, PRO 9’s successful operation had served as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement collaboration and the role of local communities in supporting efforts to dismantle criminal syndicates. PRO 9’s continuous vigilance and coordinated efforts with other government agencies had signified the ongoing battle against drugs.
With the results of this operation, PRO 9 has not only removed a significant number of illegal drugs from the streets but has also sent a clear message to criminal elements that the police are committed to maintaining peace and order in the region. The fight against illegal drugs is far from over, but this latest success brings hope that the efforts of PRO 9 will continue to make Zamboanga Peninsula a safer place for all its residents.
