Big-Time Drug Pusher Nabbed Inside Pagadian City Mall; P4-M Worth of Shabu Seized
Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur — In a coordinated buy-bust operation held in mid-June 2026, law enforcement agents arrested a suspected big-time drug pusher inside a shopping mall in Pagadian City, seizing approximately four million pesos worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as “shabu.”
The operation was jointly carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) after weeks of surveillance and intelligence-gathering in the area. Authorities identified the suspect as a known figure in the local illegal drug trade, operating discreetly within the city’s commercial district.
According to PDEA operatives, the suspect was caught in the act of selling a substantial quantity of shabu to an undercover agent inside the mall. The buy-bust was executed in a busy section of the establishment, but authorities managed to carry it out without incident or harm to bystanders.
“This is a significant win for our ongoing campaign against illegal drugs in Zamboanga del Sur,” a PDEA official stated. “The suspect has been operating in the area for some time, and this arrest will disrupt the supply chain of illegal drugs in Pagadian City and nearby municipalities.”
The seized shabu, weighing several kilograms, was turned over to the PDEA laboratory for proper documentation and disposal. The suspect is now facing charges under Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Authorities expect the filing of formal cases in the coming days.
Local officials have commended the PDEA and PNP for their continued efforts to keep Pagadian City safe from the scourge of illegal drugs. Community leaders are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug trafficking in their neighborhoods.
This latest operation is part of a broader crackdown on illegal drug activities across the Zamboanga Peninsula region, where law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to dismantle drug networks and bring offenders to justice.
— With reports from Inquirer.net and SunStar