Cebu City buy-bust: Jobless man nabbed with ₱3.74-M shabu in Ermita

CEBU CITY, Philippines —A 43-year-old jobless man was arrested after authorities seized around 550 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated ₱3.74 million in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City, on Friday afternoon, August 7.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) identified the arrested suspect as alias “Baki,” a resident of the area where the operation was conducted.

Authorities said they seized 11 packs of suspected shabu weighing around 550 grams, with an estimated average market value of ₱3.74 million.

Also recovered the buy-bust money, a smartphone, and other non-drug evidence.

Two-week case buildup

The buy-bust operation followed information provided by a confidential informant, according to PDEA-7.

Authorities said they conducted a two-week case buildup before carrying out the buy-bust operation that led to Baki’s arrest.

At around 4:58 p.m. on Friday, operatives of PDEA Cebu City Team, Carbon Police Station, Cebu City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (CCPO-CDEU), and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operation Unit 7 arrested Baki in Sitio Proper in Barangay Ermita.

Investigators also alleged that the suspect had been disposing of around 500 grams of shabu every week prior to his arrest.

Authorities said Baki had previously faced cases involving illegal drugs and firearms.

In 2014, the Aloguinsan Municipal Police Station filed cases against him for the alleged violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

However, authorities said the suspect was able to elude arrest at the time.

Charges

As of Saturday, August 8, “Baki” remained under the custody of PDEA-7 in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

He is set to face charges for alleged selling and possession of illegal drugs under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The seized drug evidence had also been submitted to the PDEA-7 Regional Office Laboratory for proper examination and disposition.

Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.