ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives arrested five drug peddlers in three separate drug busts across Zamboanga Peninsula, confiscating approximately 4,800 grams (4.8 kilograms) of shabu worth P32.64 million.

PDEA director for Zamboanga Peninsula Maharani R. Gadaoni-Tosoc reported on Friday that a drug peddler was apprehended during a buy-bust operation in Dipolog City, which resulted in the seizure of about 3,000 grams of suspected shabu valued at around P20.4 million.

The operation took place at D Hotel Rizal, corner Osmeña Street, Barangay Central, Dipolog City, on Saturday.

According to Tosoc, PDEA agents, supported by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 (RDEU 9), seized one vacuum-sealed transparent plastic pack containing 1,000 grams of shabu, and another 2,000 grams found in an opened transparent plastic pack. The drugs were packaged in green tea foil sachets labeled “999,” Tosoc confirmed.

The operation led to the arrest of a high-value target, identified as 47-year-old Darwin, a resident of Barangay Sta. Catalina in Zamboanga City.

Other items seized during the operation included a blue eco-bag, three opened green tea foil packs, a black Toyota Vios, its key, a blue Realme Android cellphone, and the buy-bust money.

In Zamboanga City, PDEA agents also conducted a buy-bust operation at Zaragosa Street, Barangay Zone 4, on Friday. This operation led to the arrest of two high-value targets and the confiscation of 400 grams of shabu valued at P2.72 million.

Tosoc reported that the drugs were found in eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets. Additional seized items included a brown paper bag, a white plastic cellophane, a white Samsung keypad cellphone, a black coin purse, and a blue plastic cellophane containing boodle money. The arrested suspects were identified as 42-year-old “Sahil” from Barangay Parol, Tungkil, Sulu, and 40-year-old “Amil,” a truck driver from Barangay Camins, Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, in Iligan City, PDEA agents seized approximately 1,400 grams of suspected shabu worth P9.52 million during a buy-bust operation along Tibanga Highway, Barangay San Miguel, on Wednesday.

Tosoc explained that the drugs were found in one vacuum-sealed transparent plastic pack and four knot-tied plastic packs.

Two suspects were arrested: 59-year-old Raisah Amer y Radiamoda, a resident of Purok Adelfa, West Barangay Mahayhay, Iligan City, and an individual known as “Bappa,” who sustained injuries during the operation.

Also confiscated from the suspects were a black shoulder bag, an opened green tea foil pack labeled “Guanyinwang” with Chinese characters, a black J&T plastic pouch, a brown paper bag, a Toyota Fortuner with its key, and the marked buy-bust money.

All the arrested suspects face charges for violating Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.