Cebu City buy-bust: P680K shabu seized from 19-year-old

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — A 19-year-old man was arrested after authorities confiscated around P680,000 worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Roque, Cebu City on Tuesday, July 7.

Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7), together with the Waterfront Police Station, conducted the operation at Sitio Palma at around 1:40 p.m.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Bai,” is a 19-year-old resident of Barangay San Roque and was taken into custody during the operation.

READ: 3 arrested in Cebu City drug den raid; alleged maintainer escapes

PDEA-7 said the operation stemmed from information provided by a confidential informant, prompting authorities to place the suspect under a week-long case buildup.

Investigators also said the suspect was newly identified in the illegal drug trade and believed to dispose of around 300 to 500 grams of suspected shabu every week.

READ: ₱2.6M smuggled cigarettes seized in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental

Seized evidence

Authorities recovered four packs of suspected shabu weighing about 100 grams with an estimated standard drug price of P680,000.

They also seized the marked buy-bust money, a cellular phone, and other pieces of non-drug evidence from the suspect.

The confiscated substances were turned over to the PDEA-7 Regional Office Laboratory for chemical examination and proper disposition.

Charges

The suspect is currently being held at the PDEA-7 custodial facility in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City while criminal charges are being prepared for filing against him.

He will face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5, or sale of dangerous drugs, and 11, or possession of dangerous drugs, under Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

If found guilty, the accused could face life imprisonment and a fine of up to P10 million.

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