Habal-habal driver falls with P6.8 million drugs

CEBU, Philippines — A habal-habal driver was arrested while an estimated P6.8 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a joint buy-bust operation conducted by anti-drug operatives in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, on Tuesday afternoon, August 4.

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) and the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Police Station 9 carried out the operation at around 2:25 p.m. in Sitio Upper Kamanggahan.

PDEA-7 Regional Director Joel B. Plaza identified the suspect only by his alias, “Ryan,” a 25-year-old single resident of Barangay Guadalupe.

Authorities recovered 40 packets of suspected shabu weighing about one kilogram, with an estimated street value of P6.8 million.

Also seized were the marked buy-bust money, a cellular phone and other items believed to be linked to the suspect's alleged illegal drug activities.

The confiscated suspected shabu was turned over to the PDEA-7 Regional Office Laboratory for qualitative and quantitative examination, while the suspect remains under the agency's custody at its office in Barangay Lahug.

The suspect will be charged with alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. If convicted, the suspect faces life imprisonment and a fine of up to P10 million. — /FPL (FREEMAN)