Over P700 trillion drugs seized in operations

CEBU , Philippines — Seven individuals were arrested in separate buy-bust operations within two days, yielding more than P700,000 worth of drugs.

In a buy-bust operation by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 together with the Police Station 2 personnel of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) last June 26, 2024, a drug den was dismantled at Sitio Tangkongan, Barangay Sambag 1, Cebu City.

Five were arrested in the operation, including the drug den maintainer identified as Adonis Arong, 29, a carwash boy and a plea bargainer.

Adonis’ 24-year-old brother, Radie, and uncle, Robert, 51, were also arrested as they were also both working at the drug den. Both were drug surrenderers.

The other two arrested were drug den visitors, namely Ariel Yngayo, 62, a technician; and Jeremy Gahiton, 33, unemployed. Both were also drug surrenderers.

During the operation, 11 packs of shabu weighing around 16 grams with an estimated average market value of P108,800 was confiscated, as well as buy-bust money and drug paraphernalia.

The suspects will be charged for violating Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 15 in Article II of the Republic Act (R.A.) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Acts of 2002.

Meanwhile, two high-value individuals (HVI) were nabbed in a separate joint buy-bust operation by the personnel of Provincial Intelligence Unit/Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), and Talisay City Police Station.

Duane Nacario Abaquita, 44, married and a resident of Purok Jose Palma, Brgy. Tabunok, Talisay City was arrested during the joint buy-bust operation headed by Police Lieutenant Jeferson Dalman at Sta. Lucia, Brgy. Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu around 9:20 pm on June 27, 2024.

Authorities confiscated sachets believed to be shabu, and the P500 pre-marked bill placed on top of 12 pieces of P1,000 bogus money used during the buy-bust.

In another operation, a certain Christopher Cabando Daan, 48, and a resident of Sitio Tunga, Brgy. Tangke, Talisay City was also arrested past 10 in the evening on the same day.

The police recovered plastic sachets containing substance believed to be shabu and the buy- bust money.

More or less 95 grams with a total estimated value of P646,000 was seized from both Abaquita and Daan. The two will also be charged for violating RA 9165 and have been turned over to Talisay City Police Station for proper disposition.