One minor, one senior fall for drugs

CEBU, Philippines — A 17-year-old boy was arrested after authorities seized an estimated 75 grams of suspected shabu from him worth ?510,000 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, last Sunday evening, June 7.

The operation was conducted at around 6:35 P.M. in Sitio Tabay by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) and personnel from the Guadalupe Police Station.

The PDEA-7 said they only learned that the suspect was 17 years old after he had been taken into custody.

Following his arrest, the minor was turned over to the Cebu City Social Welfare and Development Office, which conducted an initial assessment to determine if he acted with discernment. The final determination will be made by the court.

PDEA-7 is also investigating the possible involvement of another individual believed to have worked with the suspect in the illegal drug trade. Authorities have yet to identify the person and determine the extent of his alleged participation.

After inquest proceedings, the minor is expected to be transferred to the Cebu City Operation Second Chance Center, where he will remain under the custody of social welfare authorities while the case undergoes further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, a 62-year-old high-value individual was arrested in another buy-bust operation in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Bossing”, a married resident of Back Matimco, Barangay Subangdaku, was apprehended around 6:06 P.M. last June 6, Saturday, along Mantawe Drive.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the City Intelligence Unit and the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), in coordination with PDEA.

Ten sachets containing suspected shabu weighing 50 grams and estimated at ?340,000 were confiscated.

“Nakadakop ang atoang mga operatiba from the city drug enforcement unit og usa ka senior citizen nga gipanganlan og ‘Bossing’ kung asa ta nakakuha ta og 50 grams through buy bust operation,” said MCPO City Director Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr.

Acosta added “Bossing” had also been arrested in 2002 for possession of drugs. He was jailed in 2006 but was acquitted in 2014.

Acosta revealed that “Bossing” allegedly sold illegal drugs through contacts and acquaintances.

“Pag 2014 acquit na siya, but then again, nakita man nato nga nibalik g’yud siya sa dating gawi niya,” said Acosta, adding that while the 2006 case of “Bossing” involved possession of drugs, he was now allegedly engaged in sale.

Acosta said the suspect’s drug operation allegedly involved a group, although the MCPO is still verifying further details.

Meanwhile, Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) arrested 119 law offenders and confiscated nearly ?1 million worth of suspected shabu during a four-day intensified anti-crime operation across Cebu Province from June 5 to 8, 2026.

In the anti-drug campaign, police recorded 48 operations that led to the arrest of 61 drug personalities composed of 58 alleged pushers and three users. Authorities also seized 140.98 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of ?958,664.

For wanted persons, law enforcers conducted 25 operations that resulted in the service of 25 arrest warrants and the arrest of 24 individuals, including five most-wanted persons. Police said one individual with a warrant under the Alcantara Municipal Police Station had already died prior to the operation.

In the campaign against loose firearms, 31 operations were conducted, including police response operations, buy-bust operations, Revitalized Katok, and service of search warrants. These led to the arrest of 14 persons, the seizure of 14 loose firearms, the voluntary surrender of 19 firearms, and the safekeeping of one licensed firearm with an expired registration.

Meanwhile, six anti-illegal gambling operations led to the arrest of 20 individuals and the confiscation of ?3,620 in bet money. — Daniela Medina, CNU intern/BRP (FREEMAN)