Three men yield drugs worth P27M

CEBU, Philippines — Three men were arrested after anti-drug operatives seized more than four kilograms of suspected shabu valued at ?27.2 million during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City, last Friday night, October 9.

The operation was carried out by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) and the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Station 7 at Saint Jude Phase 2 around 9:45 p.m.

PDEA-7 identified the alleged main target as alias “Joseph,” 33, a food vendor from Barangay Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu. Two other men were arrested with him; alias “Eduardo,” 24, and his nephew, alias “Harold,” 25. Both work as mechanics and are residents of Datagon, Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

The operation followed information provided by a confidential informant. PDEA-7 operatives spent about a week building their case before proceeding with the drug sting.

Initial information gathered by authorities indicated that the group allegedly distributed around eight kilograms of shabu each week, with Metro Cebu identified as its supposed distribution area.

Five vacuum-sealed packs containing more than 4,000 grams of suspected shabu were recovered during the operation. Authorities placed the estimated value of the seized substances at ?27.2 million.

Aside from the suspected drugs, operatives confiscated buy-bust money, a sedan, two cellular phones and other items.

Eduardo reportedly told authorities that their task was only to collect garbage. He also claimed that he received ?15,000 for the task and had traveled to Cebu at least five times to collect the suspected illegal drugs.

The seized substances have been turned over to the PDEA-7 Regional Office Laboratory for examination and processing to establish their composition. The three men remain under the temporary custody of PDEA-7 at its office in Lahug, Cebu City.

They are expected to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — (FREEMAN)