Suspect yields shabu worth P6.8M

CEBU, Philippines — Around ?6.8 million worth of suspected shabu was seized from a habal-habal driver in a joint buy-bust operation in Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City, last Sunday evening, March 1.

The arrested suspect was identified as Gabriello Racal Arnejo, also known as alias “Hudas”, 27, a resident of Barangay Candulawan, Talisay City.

Confiscated from his possession were at least two packs of shabu weighing an estimated one kilogram.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 (PDEA-7) said Arnejo’s arrest is a follow-up from a previous operation which was strengthened through their three-day case build up.

The joint operation was led by the PDEA-7, in coordination with the operatives of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) Station 3, and the LCPO City Intelligence Unit and Drug Enforcement Unit.

PDEA-7 also said that the suspect is classified as a high-value target capable of disposing of up to one kilogram of shabu every week.

He is currently detained at the PDEA-7 detention facility in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City, while the evidence against him has been submitted for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) reported that over ?2.8 million worth of illegal drugs and at least 59 loose firearms were also intercepted, while a total of 380 individuals were also arrested during the weeklong operations conducted across Central Visayas from February 22 to 28.

In the said period, more than 400 grams of shabu with an estimated value of ?2,805,476, along with 22 grams of dried marijuana leaves were recovered by the operatives.

During PRO-7’s anti-illegal drug operations, at least 240 drug suspects were also apprehended.

Additionally, 29 individuals were arrested after authorities seized 59 guns, one explosive device, and 122 rounds of ammunition in line with the regionwide campaign against loose firearms.

Reportedly, at least 15 firearms were also voluntarily surrendered by some residents through the Oplan Katok operations.

Furthermore, the regional police force had also captured at least 169 fugitives, 39 of whom are tagged as most wanted persons.

It was also reported that 72 illegal gamblers were imprisoned after they were confiscated with more than ?9,000 in bet money.

In a statement, PRO-7 highlighted that last week’s significant gains were the results of the relentless operations conducted across the region targeting illegal drugs, loose firearms, wanted persons, and illegal gambling. — (FREEMAN)