A 37-year-old bouncer was arrested by police after he panicked during a routine checkpoint, leading to the discovery of two packets of suspected shabu in Barangay Poblacion Pardo, Cebu City, on the night of June 29, 2026.
Suspect identified
The suspect was identified as Ritchie Goden, a single man residing in Purok Liwanag, Sityo Ilang-Ilang, Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City. The arrest took place around 9:00 p.m. along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion Pardo.
According to the report, personnel from the Inayawan Police Station were conducting a checkpoint when Goden arrived. When asked for his driver's license, he began acting nervously, which drew the attention of the officers.
Drugs discovered
The police noticed two transparent packets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, leading to his immediate arrest. The suspect was taken into custody and the items were confiscated as evidence.
In an interview with SunStar Superbalita Cebu, Goden admitted ownership of the drugs. He claimed he used them to condition his body for his job as a bouncer, especially when he felt tired from work.
“This helps me, sir, to condition myself for work. And I won't get sleepy when driving a motorcycle, far from accidents,” Goden said.
Trauma from past accident
The suspect added that he was traumatized after a previous motorcycle accident caused by extreme drowsiness from work. Since then, he turned to using shabu as a solution to stay alert.
However, Goden expressed regret for his actions and stated he is ready to face the consequences. Police are preparing charges against him for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
