8 arrested in two drugs dens in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Two drug dens were dismantled by authorities in separate buy-bust operations that resulted in the arrest of eight individuals in two barangays of Cebu City.

Operatives of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7, together with Labangon Police Station 10 of the Cebu City Police Office, dismantled the first drug den last Aug. 5, 2024 in Sitio Pundok Gamay, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City which led to the arrest of alleged drug den maintainer, 41-year-old Paul Martinez.

Also in the drug den were suspected drug den visitors, two e-bike drivers namely, William O. Pacquiao, 42; and Jovit M. Gilla, 36.

Confiscated during the operation were five packs of shabu weighing approximately 12 grams with an estimated market value of P81,600, along with buy-bust money, and various drug paraphernalia.

Further investigation revealed that Martinez can dispose of 10 to 15 grams of illegal drugs each week. He has also been arrested four times before for illegal gambling, and this is his first arrest for a drug-related crime.

In a separate operation yesterday, August 7, in Sitio Silangan 1 Barangay Tinago, Cebu City, five individuals were arrested, including 23-year old Arjay O. Ortega and 49-year-old drug den operator Adonis A. Mori.

The two were primary targets of the operation, while three other alleged visitors were also arrested, namely Melinda M. Flores, 32, jobless; Jam Michel C. Wagas, 25, public utility jeep dispatcher; and Marlon O. Maglasang, 38, laborer.

The three-week case buildup resulted in the confiscation of nine packs of suspected shabu weighing approximately 15 grams valued at P45,000, P210 buy-bust money and various drug paraphernalia.

Operatives of PDEA-7 together with the Regional Intelligence Unit received a tip from a concerned citizen about the alleged drug den in the area. It was then found out that 50 grams of shabu could be disposed of from the drug den every week.

The drug den maintained by Mori reportedly catered to dockworkers wherein he charges them additional P20/head for the use of the drug facility.

The drug evidence has been sent for chemical analysis and appropriate disposition and legal cases will be filed against the eight suspects for violating Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15 of Article II of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. —/ATO (FREEMAN)