Drug dealer nabbed in Zamboanga City

GOVERNMENT forces arrested a drug dealer in a buy-bust operation that led to a shootout in Zamboanga City last Saturday, the Philippine Navy reported yesterday.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) named the suspect as Husein Arip Tagayan, alias Langgung, 52, a resident of Serantes Street, Walled City in Jolo, Sulu.

“Tagayan is identified as a high-value individual involved in the illegal drugs trade,” the NFWM said in a statement.

It said the operation was led by the NFWM’s Joint Task Force Poseidon headed by the Naval Intelligence Security Group-Western Mindanao in coordination with the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit 9 and Zamboanga City police station.

The primary target of the operation, identified only as alias Jonathan and several other suspects managed to escape during the exchange of gunfire, the NFWM said.

No one was reported hurt on the side of the government during the firefight.

Seized during the operation were one kilo of shabu worth P6.8 million and the buy-bust money.

The NFWM said a pursuit operation is being conducted to apprehend the other suspects.

“The successful operation underscores the ongoing commitment of NFWM and its partner agencies in combating illegal drug activities and ensuring the safety and security of the community,” the NFWM said.