A 25-YEAR-OLD habal-habal driver was arrested after authorities seized about one kilogram of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P6.8 million during a buy-bust in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City, on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 4.
The suspect, identified only by his alias “Ryan,” is a resident of Barangay Guadalupe, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 Director Joel Plaza.
The operation was carried out at around 2:25 p.m. in Sitio Upper Kamanggahan by operatives of PDEA 7, in coordination with the Guadalupe Police Station of the Cebu City Police Office.
Authorities confiscated 40 large sachets of suspected
shabu weighing about one kilogram. They also recovered the marked buy-bust money, a cellular phone and other items, all of which were submitted to the PDEA 7 Regional Office Laboratory in Barangay Lahug for forensic examination.
PDEA 7 Information Officer Leia Alcantara said the suspect had been under surveillance for six months after the agency received information from a confidential informant.
Investigators believe the suspect was capable of distributing up to one kilogram of shabu every week. PDEA said it has already identified the suspect’s alleged supplier and is continuing efforts to locate and arrest the individual.
Authorities also said the suspect had previously been arrested in 2023 in connection with a drug-related case.
The suspect remains in the custody of PDEA 7 and is facing charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. / ABC