P27.2-M shabu seized; 3 nabbed

CEBU CITY — Authorities seized around four kilos of suspected shabu worth P27.2 million and arrested three men in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City, at around 9:45 p.m. on 9 October.

The operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 7 (PDEA 7) and Cebu City Police Office Station 7 at Saint Jude Phase 2.

PDEA 7 regional director Joel B. Plaza identified the primary suspect as alias Joseph, 33, a food vendor and resident of Barangay Mohon, Talisay City, Cebu.

Also arrested were his alleged cohorts, alias Eduardo, 24, and his nephew, alias Harold, 25. Both are mechanics and residents of Datagon, Pamplona, Negros Oriental.

Authorities seized five vacuum-sealed packs of suspected shabu weighing approximately 4,000 grams, with an estimated market value of P27.2 million.

Other confiscated items included the buy-bust money, a sedan, two cellular phones and other non-drug evidence.

The suspected drugs were submitted to the PDEA 7 regional laboratory for examination and proper disposition.

The three suspects are in the custody of PDEA 7 in Lahug, Cebu City.

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

Violations carry penalties that may include life imprisonment and fines of up to P10 million.