World · Philippines Bureau
PNP launches manhunt for drug syndicate after record Zamboanga shabu seizure
Philippine National Police have launched a wider investigation following the confiscation of 67 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine worth P455.6 million in Zamboanga City. The joint operation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency resulted in four arrests and signals a major blow to local drug trafficking networks.
LSN Philippines ·
The Philippine National Police said Wednesday it is pursuing an expanded investigation to identify and dismantle the criminal organization responsible for the large-scale drug operation uncovered in Zamboanga City. A coordinated operation by the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led to the seizure of 67 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P455.6 million.
The joint task force apprehended four individuals during the operation, though authorities indicated the arrests represent only a portion of the broader network allegedly involved in distributing the confiscated narcotics. Investigators are now tracing supply chains and financial connections to dismantle what they describe as a significant regional drug trafficking organization.
The seizure underscores the continuing challenge posed by methamphetamine trafficking in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao where Zamboanga City serves as a major commercial hub. Police have vowed to expand their investigation to pursue higher-level members of the suspected drug syndicate and intercept further shipments destined for local markets and beyond.
The PDEA and PNP have intensified operations against large-scale drug operations as part of broader anti-narcotics efforts targeting trafficking networks supplying methamphetamine across the nation. Authorities urged the public to report suspicious drug-related activities to support ongoing enforcement operations.