In a significant anti-drug operation in Zamboanga City, authorities apprehended two individuals and seized PHP3.7 million worth of shabu on the morning of February 5, 2025. The operation took place in Sitio Asinan, Barangay Kasanyangan, where police arrested Cesar Manalo, 27, and Alkaber Bahari, 21. The haul included 550 grams of shabu packed in 11 plastic sachets, along with a .38-caliber revolver, buy-bust money, and a backpack.
Col. Kimberly Molitas, the acting director of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), reported the arrests. Manalo, a resident of Barangay Tugbungan, had previously gained notoriety on social media for threatening civilians with a firearm. He is now facing drug charges and has an outstanding warrant for grave threats. Bahari, from Barangay Sinunuc, is also charged with drug-related offenses.
In another operation on Monday, a joint effort by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and ZCPO led to the dismantling of a drug den in Sitio Picnic Ground, Barangay Tugbungan. This raid resulted in the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of PHP81,600 worth of shabu (12 grams), along with buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia.
These operations highlight the ongoing efforts to curb illegal drug activities and criminal behavior in Zamboanga City.