At around 3:35 pm of August 14, 2025, the SDET of Payao Municipal Police Station, led by PMAJ Manolo T. Echem, Officer-in-Charge, conducted an intelligence-driven buy-bust operation at Purok 5, Barangay Poblacion, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay, in coordination with PDEA9.

The operation resulted in the arrest of a 27-year-old male resident of Purok 3, Barangay Poblacion, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay. Confiscated items are follows: one (1) piece heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believe to be “shabu” (buy-bust item); Two (3) pieces heat-sealed plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believe to be “shabu” (Possession Items) and two (2) pieces 500-Peso Bill, two(2) pieces coins amounting to twenty five pesos; and two(2) pieces Aluminum foil.

The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights in a language that he fully understood.The markings and inventory were conducted in the presence of Mr. ROQUE A DINOY.JR, media representative and Hon. HERON S SABAR elected Brgy. Official of said place. Arrested person is now under the custody of Payao MPS and the confiscated illegal drugs were turned over to PFU-ZSBPPO for qualitative and quantitative examination. A case for violation of R.A 9165 is being prepared against the suspect.