Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Mandaue City successfully conducted an entrapment operation leading to the arrest of an alleged illegal dealer of butane canisters in Consolacion, Cebu.
Sting Operation Leads to Arrest
The arrest took place at around 1:45 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Sitio Libo, Barangay Tayud, Consolacion City. The suspect, identified only by the alias "Joe," aged 29 and a resident of the same barangay, was caught in the act of selling butane canisters.
Authorities confiscated a significant haul of evidence from the suspect. The seized items included 23 crates of butane canisters filled with liquified petroleum gas (LPG) and an additional 12 empty canisters.
Complaint from Legitimate Business Triggered Probe
The operation was launched following a formal complaint filed with the CIDG Regional Unit 7 office. The representative of Cebu Rufrance Multigas Corporation, a legitimate gas dealer, reported the illegal sale of butane canisters in the area by one of its own dealers.
Acting on the complaint, CIDG agents initiated a monitoring and test-buy operation. Their investigation confirmed the validity of the complaint, verifying that illegal sales were indeed taking place, which paved the way for the planned entrapment.
Crackdown on Illegal Gas Trade
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal trade of gas products, which poses significant safety risks to the public. The sale of butane and LPG outside authorized channels can involve substandard or improperly handled containers, leading to potential fire hazards and explosions.
The successful sting underscores the importance of cooperation between legitimate businesses and law enforcement in maintaining market integrity and public safety. The suspect is now facing appropriate charges for his alleged involvement in the illegal trade.
