ONE suspect was arrested while another managed to escape in an anti-drug operation that resulted in the confiscation of some P340,000 worth of illegal drugs in Zamboanga del Sur, an official said Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Maharani Gadaoni-Tocos, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional director, identified the arrested suspect as Ronel Dejeto, 42, of Purok 3 Pikalawag village, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte.
His alleged accomplice, known only as Orak Maruhom, managed to escape and is now the subject of a manhunt.
Gadaoni-Tosoc said Dejeto was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, in Militar village, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
She said seized from Dejeto were some 50 grams of suspected shabu worth P340,000, a bundle of boodle money topped with genuine P1,000 marked money, a motorcycle, a brown paper bag, and a white envelope.
Gadaoni-Tosoc said charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against Dejeto, who was detained.
She said the anti-drug operation was led by PDEA with the support of the different police units in Zamboanga del Sur.
Gadaoni-Tosoc said the PDEA regional office and its partner agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to combat illegal drug activities and ensure the safety of communities in the region. (SunStar Zamboanga)