P278.8M shabu seized in Cebu City drug bust

Authorities seized 41 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P278.8 million during a buy-bust operation in Cebu City on Saturday, 10 October, marking what the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) described as the largest drug haul in Central Visayas since 2016.

The operation, conducted at around 7:18 a.m. along Arca Street in Barangay Mabolo, resulted in the arrest of a 30-year-old motorcycle taxi driver identified only as alias “Erwin.”

PDEA Central Visayas Regional Director Joel B. Plaza said the suspect is a resident of Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City.

Operatives recovered 41 vacuum-sealed plastic packs containing approximately 41 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P278.8 million.

Authorities also confiscated buy-bust money, a cellular phone, a vehicle and other non-drug evidence.

The operation was carried out by PDEA Regional Office 7 in coordination with the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operating Unit, Naval Forces Central and Cebu City Police Station 4.

The confiscated substances were submitted to the PDEA 7 laboratory for forensic examination, while the suspect remains in the agency's custody in Lahug, Cebu City.

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

The offenses carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment and fines of up to P10 million, depending on the applicable provisions and the court's findings.

PDEA 7 said it would coordinate with the court to facilitate the destruction of the seized drugs following the required legal procedures and court approval.