A SUSPECTED high-value target in Lapu-Lapu City was arrested in a buy-bust conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Lapu-Lapu City Team together with the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office after selling "shabu" in Sitio Pakpakan, Barangay Basak, at 12:30 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2025.
PDEA Central Visayas Director Joel Plaza identified the suspect as alias Rits, 36, a private driver and resident of Barangay Ermita in Cebu City who was also the target of the operation.
Seized from him were three packets of shabu weighing 50 grams with a value of P340,000.
Also confiscated were a cellphone and other pieces of evidence now in the custody of PDEA 7.
According to PDEA 7 information officer Liea Alcantara, the suspect had been placed under a two-week case buildup after they received information from a trusted source.
He was reportedly able to sell 300 to 400 grams of shabu each week from his supplier.
Charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the suspect, who is currently under the custody of PDEA 7.
PDEA 7 said selling illegal drugs carries the penalty of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P1 million. (AYB)
