Drugs worth P12.2 million seized

CEBU, Philippines — At least P12.2 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in a buy-bust operation Tuesday evening at Lower Sario, Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of Jeovanie Padigos Dela Cerna Alyas "Banoy," 46, a resident of Barangay Candulawan, Talisay City, Cebu, and Franco Cortes Corominas Alyas "Daot,"  44, a resident of Eskina Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

Authorities identified Dela Cerna as a high-value individual.

They were arrested by the City Intelligence Unit (CIU) and City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) during a Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations (SACLEO).

Seized from them were multiple packs of suspected shabu weighing 1.8 kilograms, a genuine P500 bill, and P12,500 fake bills used as buy-bust money.

Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director, commended the arresting officers for the successful operation. He said that Dela Cerna and Corominas sourced their drugs from a well-known personality who is currently detained at the regional prison.

He added that their names were mentioned by the drug personalities they arrested in previous operations, prompting them to place the two under surveillance.

Based on their investigation, the suspects could allegedly dispose of three to five kilos of drugs weekly and operate in Barangay Bulacao and other neighboring barangays, the city director stated.

He also hopes that their rigorous campaign against illegal drugs will serve as a stern warning to individuals who are involved in illegal drug activity.

"This will serve sana a stern warning ngadto sa mga tao nga padayon gihapon nga mogamit, nagdula, or nagbaligya sa illegal nga druga kay nakabalo man sila nga kini bawal. So kita sa Cebu City Police Office, dili kita moundang pagpangita, pagmonitor aning source aning illegal drugs ug asa man ni gikan, kay ang Cebu City Police Office aggresibo sa maong kampanya batok sa illegal nga druga," Dalogdog said.

Appropriate charges are now being prepared for filing against the two suspects. —/FPL (FREEMAN)