Police and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) arrested a 37-year-old man and his 29-year-old girlfriend with suspected shabu worth nearly P7 million during a buy-bust operation in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

Seized from the suspects were sachets of suspected shabu weighing around one kilo and worth nearly P7 million.

According to the Dipolog City Police Station, the suspects have long been under surveillance for allegedly selling illegal drugs not only in Region 9 but also in other provinces.

“Matagal na ang mga individual na ito na involved sa illegal drugs. In fact hindi lang sa Dipolog City kundi sa entire region 9 at sa ibang bayan na rin. Ginagamit nila ang mga courier papuntang Iloilo, Bukidnon at saan-saang area,” Dipolog City Police Station Chief, Lt. Col. Khisna Asaali, said.

Authorities said the suspected shabu is believed to have originated from Lanao provinces and was repacked by the suspects before being sold to their clients.

“Base sa impormasyon na nakuha natin, medyo organized crime group po ito kasi galing nga sa iisang lugar pinapadala nila o dinadala nila .Ang ginagawa kasi nila nagre-rent sila ng sasakyan sa mga car rental, yun yung ginagamit nila papunta roon para kunin ang isang kilo,” Asaali added.

Authorities also confiscated the vehicle rented by the suspects.

The suspects will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165).