Drug bust nets P6.8-M shabu in Lapu

CEBU, Philippines — An estimated one-kilo of suspected shabu was confiscated in a coordinated buy-bust operation in Sitio Matumbo, Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City at 12:30 a.m. yesterday.

The anti-illegal drug operation conducted by operatives of the  Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Lapu-Lapu City Team, Lapu-Lapu City Police Office-City Intelligence Unit/City Drug Enforcement Unit, and Police Station 5 also resulted in the arrest of the drug suspect.

PDEA-7 Acting Director Alex M. Tablate identified the suspect as alias “Michael,” 38, and a family driver from Yati, Liloan.

The seized drug, estimated to have an average market value of ?6.8 million, was recovered alongside buy-bust money and other non-drug-related items.

The evidence has been submitted to the PDEA 7 Regional Office Laboratory for proper documentation and examination.

According to PDEA-7,  the operation was a result of a month-long case buildup based on information from a confidential informant.

Initial investigation suggested that the suspect was involved in the distribution of at least 10 kilograms of shabu weekly.

Although the suspect resides in Liloan, his family is based in Iloilo, raising questions about his operations and affiliations.

Investigators are currently validating the source of the illegal drugs and trying to identify the possible cohorts, as the suspect is reportedly uncooperative during questioning.

Charges for violation of Section 5 (selling oglf drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) will be filed against the suspect, who is currently detained at the PDEA 7 facility in Lahug, Cebu City. — (FREEMAN)