The Philippine National Police conducted two successful joint anti-illegal drug operations on April 25, 2026, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of approximately ₱27.32 million worth of suspected shabu across Zamboanga City and Leyte province.
Under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., the coordinated operations also led to the confiscation of a firearm and other drug paraphernalia, marking a significant victory in the government's ongoing campaign against illegal drugs.
The combined operations yielded approximately 4,017.4 grams of suspected shabu with a total standard drug price of ₱27,318,320.00, demonstrating the scale of drug trafficking activities disrupted by law enforcement agencies.
Zamboanga City Operation Nets High-Value Target
The first operation took place at approximately 8:40 PM along Nangka Drive in Barangay Baliwasan, Zamboanga City. Joint operatives from multiple units conducted a carefully coordinated buy-bust operation targeting a high-value individual.
The operation involved personnel from Police Station 6, Police Station 7, the City Police Drug Enforcement Unit, and the 2nd City Mobile Force Company of the Zamboanga City Police Office. The local police units worked in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Zamboanga City and the Tactical Operations Wing – Western Mindanao of the Philippine Air Force.
During the Zamboanga operation, authorities seized more than 2,800 grams of suspected shabu valued at ₱19,040,000.00. Additional evidence recovered included buy-bust money and a sling bag used in the illegal drug transaction.
The successful operation in Zamboanga City demonstrated the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in targeting high-value drug personalities operating in Mindanao.
Leyte Operation Yields Additional Arrests
Later that evening at approximately 11:38 PM, a second joint operation unfolded in Barangay Damulaan, Albuera, Leyte. Personnel from the Albuera Municipal Police Station and the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Leyte Police Provincial Office conducted another buy-bust operation.
The Leyte operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects, including another high-value individual involved in illegal drug trafficking activities. Authorities recovered more than 1,217.4 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of ₱8,278,320.00.
Beyond the illegal drugs, the Leyte operation also yielded a caliber .45 pistol, buy-bust money, and other non-drug items. The recovery of the firearm highlights the dangerous nature of drug trafficking operations and the armed resistance that law enforcement officers potentially face during such operations.
The presence of firearms in drug operations underscores the connection between illegal drug trafficking and other criminal activities, including illegal possession of firearms.
PNP Chief Emphasizes Sustained Campaign
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized the Philippine National Police's unwavering commitment to dismantling drug networks across the country. In a statement following the operations, he declared the organization's firm stance against illegal drug activities.
"We remain firm in our commitment to dismantle drug networks that continue to destroy lives and communities," Nartatez stated. "Patuloy ang ating malakas na kampanya laban sa ilegal na droga upang maprotektahan ang kapayapaan at kaligtasan ng mamamayan."
The PNP chief's statement reflects the organization's dedication to protecting peace and security for Filipino citizens through sustained anti-drug operations. His use of Filipino language emphasizes the personal commitment of law enforcement to serve local communities.
Focused Agenda Guides Operations
The successful operations align with the Philippine National Police's Focused Agenda on police transformation, which continues to guide operational priorities across the organization. The agenda particularly emphasizes Enhanced Managing Police Operations and Integrity Monitoring.
This strategic framework reinforces the implementation of sustained and intelligence-driven anti-illegal drug operations across all field units nationwide. The coordination between different police units and agencies demonstrates the systematic approach outlined in the Focused Agenda.
The intelligence-driven approach ensures that operations target high-value individuals and significant drug trafficking networks rather than focusing solely on street-level dealers.
Evidence Processing and Legal Procedures
All arrested suspects and confiscated evidence remain under the custody of the respective operating units responsible for each operation. The evidence will undergo proper documentation procedures required for filing appropriate charges against the suspects.
The legal process ensures that the seized drugs and firearms follow proper chain of custody procedures necessary for successful prosecution in court. The documentation process involves multiple agencies to maintain the integrity of evidence.
Appropriate charges will be filed against all suspects in accordance with existing laws governing illegal drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
Presidential Directive Strengthens Campaign
The operations occur within the context of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen campaigns against illegal drugs and illegal firearms. The presidential mandate provides institutional support for intensified law enforcement operations.
Under this directive, the Philippine National Police continues to assure the public of its commitment through the motto "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong mabilis, tapat, at nararamdaman," which translates to fast, honest, and felt service.
The presidential support enables law enforcement agencies to allocate necessary resources and personnel for large-scale operations targeting major drug trafficking networks operating across different regions of the Philippines.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police