WesMin cops hit big in anti-drug drive
A STEPPED-UP campaign against illegal drugs and smuggling by the Police Regional Office (PRO)- 9 across Western Mindanao from January to June this year has resulted in the confiscation of around P200 million worth of shabu and smuggled goods, including banned cigarettes, the Journal Group learned.
“We have scored these accomplishments amid our increased partnership with other law enforcement agencies and the public and as a result of our continuing community awareness program on the government’s drive against both illegal drugs and tobacco smuggling,” said PRO-9 director, Brigadier General Bowenn Joey M. Masauding.
The official said that from January to June this year, they have already conducted a total of 764 successful anti-drug operations which resulted in the arrest of 1,041 drug personalities and the confiscation of more than P121 million worth of shabu and other prohibited drugs.
Among those arrested during the period was a 37-year-old male who yielded P4 million worth of shabu during a buy-bust operation in Zamboanga City.
Last July 9-10, PRO9 and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives also confiscated over P14 million worth of shabu.
Brig. Gen. Masauding said a joint PRO9-PDEA anti-illegal drug operation in Purok Masigla, Brgy. Poblacion in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay led to the arrest of a 56-year-old female suspect who yielded a kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million.
Another operation in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur on the same day enabled members of the police, the PDEA and the PRO-9 Regional Intelligence Division to arrest a drug target who yielded nearly P500,000 worth of shabu.
The next morning, another PRO-9-PDEA operation resulted in the apprehension of two male targets.
Recovered from the two were a kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million and the buy-bust money.
Gen. Marbil ordered the crackdown on the smuggling and distribution of fake cigarettes in the country which really undermines the effort of the government to control tobacco consumption through proper taxation and regulation.
Records showed that tobacco was the highest factor driving the most death and disability combined in the entire country since 2019.
Brig. Gen. Masauding said they have also intensified their campaign against illegal firearms and private armed groups in the region as part of their effort to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of the May 12, 2025 midterm elections.
Amid a directive from Gen. Marbil, the PRO-9 director said they have started security preparations for the 2025 elections in Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga City.
The PRO-9 is going all-out against holders of loose firearms and other deadly weapons as well as both active and inactive private armed groups in the region which has eight congressional districts.
Brig. Gen. Masauding said their focused law enforcement operation against illegal firearms and drugs will continue this year with the service of search warrants for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013 and RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
