P380K worth of suspected shabu seized in City of Naga

CEBU, Philippines — Police seized around P380,120 worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value individual (HVI) during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Langtad, City of Naga, Cebu Friday afternoon, Sept. 4.

The operation led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man, a resident of the barangay, who allegedly sold suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.

Police said they recovered 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, with a combined estimated weight of 55.82 grams.

The seized drugs were valued at approximately P380,120 based on the standard drug price.

The operation was conducted by personnel of the City of Naga Police Station–City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) as part of the continuing campaign against the illegal drug trade in the province.

Police said the suspect was arrested after allegedly completing a drug transaction with the undercover police officer.

The buy-bust operation was witnessed by representatives from the Department of Justice and an elected barangay official from Langtad, in compliance with the required procedures for the conduct and documentation of anti-drug operations.

Initial police information indicated that the suspect allegedly obtained his supply from an individual in San Fernando, Cebu.

He allegedly repacked the drugs into smaller quantities and sold them to regular buyers in the area for profit.

Police are now looking into the suspect’s alleged source of supply and possible connections to other individuals involved in the distribution of illegal drugs.

The arrested man is facing complaints for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Section 5 covers the illegal sale, trading, administration, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, while Section 11 covers the illegal possession of dangerous drugs.

The suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of the City of Naga Police Station while police prepare the necessary documents for the filing of the appropriate complaints before the Prosecutor’s Office.

Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) Director Police Colonel Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. reiterated the police office’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs and pursuing individuals involved in the distribution of dangerous substances.

Mangelen said successful anti-drug operations are aimed at disrupting the supply of illegal drugs and preventing these substances from reaching communities, families, and vulnerable sectors.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that police operations are conducted lawfully, professionally, and with proper documentation.

The City of Naga operation is part of the CPPO’s continuing intelligence-driven and coordinated efforts to identify and apprehend individuals allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade across Cebu. — (FREEMAN)