P278.8-M shabu seized

CEBU CITY — Authorities seized 41 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P278.8 million and arrested a 30-year-old man in a buy-bust operation along Arca Street in Barangay Mabolo on Sunday morning.

The operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 (PDEA-7), the PNP Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 7, and Mabolo Police Station 4 of the Cebu City Police Office.

PDEA-7 Regional Director Joel B. Plaza identified the suspect as alias Erwin, a habal-habal driver and resident of Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City.

Authorities recovered 41 vacuum-sealed plastic packs containing suspected shabu, with a total reported weight of 41 kilograms and an estimated street value of P278.8 million. They also seized buy-bust money, a Toyota RAV4 and a cellular phone.

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

The suspect is expected to face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, covering the sale and possession of dangerous drugs.

Convictions under the law carry penalties that may include life imprisonment and fines of up to P10 million.

Authorities described the confiscation as one of the biggest drug seizures in Central Visayas.