Cebu City buy-busts: 5 arrested, ₱754K worth of shabu seized

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Five individuals, including two senior citizens, remain in the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) after they were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Cebu City on Saturday, August 8.

The operations, conducted in Barangays Ermita and Mambaling, resulted in the seizure of around 111 grams of suspected shabu with a combined estimated market value of ₱754,800.

Ermita drug den

The first operation was conducted at around 11:40 a.m. by personnel from PDEA-7 and the Carbon Police Station in Sitio Panagdait, Barangay Ermita.

READ: 7 nabbed, ₱692K shabu seized in 2-day Cebu buy-busts

The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals and the dismantling of a suspected drug den.

PDEA-7 identified the target and alleged drug den maintainer as alias “Oyok,” 40, jobless and a resident of Barangay Ermita.

Also arrested were three alleged visitors of the drug den: alias “Elizabeth,” 60, a vendor; alias “Omeng,” 60, jobless; and alias “John,” 30, an e-bike driver. All three are residents of Barangay Ermita.

Authorities seized six packs of suspected shabu weighing around 11 grams, with an estimated average market value of ₱74,800.

They also recovered two pieces of tin foil with traces of suspected shabu, buy-bust money and various drug paraphernalia.

According to PDEA-7, the operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant. Authorities conducted nearly a month of case buildup before carrying out the operation.

Investigators also alleged that the group had been disposing of around five to 10 grams of shabu per week.

Mambaling buy-bust

Later that day, at around 5:21 p.m., another buy-bust operation was conducted along Caimito Street in Barangay Mambaling.

The operation was carried out by personnel of PDEA-7, Mambaling Police Station and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operation Unit 7.

Authorities arrested alias “Jerry,” 44, jobless and a resident of Barangay Mambaling, for allegedly selling shabu to undercover operatives.

Police seized one pack of suspected shabu weighing around 100 grams, with an estimated average market value of ₱680,000.

Also confiscated were the buy-bust money, a cellular phone, a motorcycle and other non-drug evidence.

PDEA-7 said the operation followed information obtained from individuals previously arrested in connection with illegal drugs. A one-month case buildup was conducted before the operation.

Authorities alleged that the suspect had been disposing of around 300 to 500 grams of shabu weekly.

Charges being prepared

The seized drug evidence from both operations were submitted to the PDEA-7 Regional Office Laboratory for examination and proper disposition.

As of Monday, August 10, all five suspects remained under the temporary custody of PDEA-7 in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City while authorities prepare for the filing of cases against them for the violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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.