2 drug dens dismantled in cities of Cebu, Talisay

CEBU, Philippines — Operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested 13 individuals in separate operations that dismantled drug dens in Talisay City and Cebu City on July 11, 2024.

The first operation conducted in Sitio Kilawan, Barangay Tangke, Talisay City, at around 2:40 pm resulted in the arrest of alleged drug den maintainer, 52-year-old Lora Lie Lisondra, also known as Nanay.

Nine others, who were allegedly visitors of the drug den, were also apprehended, including a 17-year-old male; and Jerry Fernandez, 58, a fisherman and a person with disability (PWD); Lorna Quiobe, 47, a laundry woman; Van Cabando, 48, a welder; Erick C. Reyes, 45; and Genevieve Cabando, 24; Rosalie Gabisan, 47; Marie Lourdes Pelare, 27; Marie Cris D. Juezan, 47, all unemployed.

The two-week case buildup led to the confiscation of 17 packs of shabu weighing approximately 16 grams with an estimated market value of P108,800, along with buy-bust money of P240 in cash believed to be proceeds from illegal drug sales, and various drug paraphernalia.

According to the investigation, 15 to 20 grams could be disposed of in the drug den in a week and numerous individuals would approach anyone entering the area, inquiring if they wanted to buy or use illegal drugs.

Later at around 5:55 in the afternoon, a second operation in Sitio Calejon 11, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City, led to the arrest of three individuals, including Joven Ballientos, 40, unemployed, who was the primary target.

Together with Ballientos were visitors, Joseph Ken-Ken Endaya, 30, a vendor, and Reneboy Carlos Ballentos, 46, jobless.

PDEA-7 operatives seized ten packs of shabu weighing approximately 11 grams valued at P74,800, along with two empty sachets with residue, P120 buy-bust money, a mobile phone, and various drug paraphernalia.

After receiving tips from concerned citizens about Ballientos running a drug den, operatives kept him under surveillance for a week. Initial investigations revealed that he could distribute 15 to 20 grams of shabu each week. (CEBU NEWS)