Authorities arrested a policeman and seized approximately P13.6 million worth of illegal drugs in an anti-drug operation in Zamboanga City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) reported on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Buy-Bust Operation Details
The PDEA-Zamboanga City Office (PDEA-ZCO) identified the arrested policeman as alias Nager, 45, a resident of Tipo-Tipo, Basilan province. Nager, a Police Staff Sergeant, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation around 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, in Sitio Bagong Dalan, Sta. Maria village, Zamboanga City. He transacted illegal drugs to an undercover PDEA agent, leading to his arrest.
Confiscated Items
Seized from the suspect were two vacuum-sealed bags containing a white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride, commonly known as shabu, weighing approximately two kilograms. The PDEA-ZCO stated that the standard value of the confiscated shabu is P13.6 million. Additionally, authorities recovered a Glock 17 pistol with 42 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle, a police identification card, 16 bundles of boodle money, one genuine P1,000 marked money, and other non-drug evidence.
Legal Charges and Support
The suspect is currently detained and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The anti-drug operation was launched by PDEA operatives from Isabela City, Basilan, and Sulu, with support from various police units.
