by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer
In Zamboanga City’s Barangay Sinunuc on Tuesday, undercover police officers apprehended two women and confiscated shabu valued at P680,000. Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey M. Masauding, the head of the Police Regional Office-9, reported on Wednesday that the suspects were apprehended immediately after completing a transaction involving the sale of shabu worth P680,000 in the clandestine Pitugo area of Barangay Sinunuc.
Masauding mentioned that the duo was caught with the assistance of barangay officials, informants, and members of the Zamboanga City Peace and Order Council, spearheaded by Mayor John M. Dalipe. The two women are currently detained at the Zamboanga City Police Office and will face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2022.
The problem of drug trafficking and abuse in Zamboanga has long been a serious concern for authorities and residents alike. The city’s strategic location makes it a hotspot for illegal drug activities, with various criminal syndicates using it as a transit point for the distribution of narcotics. However, with the aid of improved police intelligence and coordinated efforts, there have been significant successes in recent times. A series of successful drug busts have been carried out, resulting in the apprehension of key players in the illegal drug trade and the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances. These victories are a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies in Zamboanga, as they work tirelessly to combat the scourge of drugs and protect the community from its harmful effects.