PDEA-7 nets P138M in illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities netted at least 20 kilos of suspected shabu valued at P138 million during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7, which resulted in the arrest of two individuals in Barangay Uling, Naga City, yesterday afternoon, May 23.

Authorities identified the suspects as alias "Romeo" and "Dante," both residents of Leyte.

According to PDEA-7, the suspects had been under surveillance for one month after they were suspected of being linked to a larger drug-related syndicate operating in the region.

Police reports revealed that the confiscated illegal drugs weighed 20 kilograms, with an estimated value of P136 million.

Also recovered during the operation was a Chevrolet Optra with plate number ZGA 430, which was allegedly used by the suspects to deliver the illegal drugs.

According to the suspects, they were only receiving orders from an unnamed individual who promised them P130,000 as payment for delivering the item. Investigation revealed that the suspects came all the way from Laguna to deliver the said ‘package’ to Cebu.

The suspects are now in police custody for violating Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (CEBU NEWS)