DRUG BUST SUCCESS. Government anti-narcotics agents conduct an inventory of PHP340,000 worth of shabu seized from Jeriel Arnaiz (handcuffed inside the vehicle), a regional target-listed drug suspect, during an operation in Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, on Wednesday (Sept. 4, 2024). On the same day, police operatives in Zamboanga City arrested three suspects and confiscated PHP1.7 million worth of shabu. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-9)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities arrested three drug suspects, including two high-value individuals (HVIs), and confiscated PHP1.7 million worth of shabu during a drug bust operation Wednesday night in this city.
Lt. Col. Elmer Solon, chief of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-Zamboanga Peninsula (RDEU-9), identified the suspects as Julmain Salim, 35; Basik Jamih, 47; and Temhar Masdal, 39.
“Both Salim and Jamih are classified as HVIs in the drug watchlist,” Solon told reporters Thursday.
The suspects were nabbed in an entrapment operation led by RDEU-9 around 9:30 p.m. in Zone 5, Barangay Divisoria.
During the operation, authorities seized around 250 grams of suspected shabu packed in five plastic sachets, along with counterfeit buy-bust money, two motorcycles, and a sling bag containing the drugs.
The suspects face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Also on Wednesday, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-9) agents arrested Jeriel Arnaiz, 46, a regional target-listed drug suspect, in Barangay Romarate, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur. Authorities confiscated 50 grams of shabu worth PHP340,000 and the buy-bust money.
In a related operation on Monday, joint PDEA-9 and police teams arrested two suspects in Aurora town, seizing 50 grams of shabu valued at PHP340,000, a .45-caliber pistol, and buy-bust money. (PNA)
