Authorities in Cebu have successfully apprehended a former painter now operating as a major drug dealer during a targeted buy-bust operation. The arrest took place on the evening of Monday, December 15, 2025, in Barangay Tapon, Dalaguete City.
Suspect Profile and Police Operation
The arrested individual is known by the alias Jade, a 35-year-old single man and resident of Barangay Cawayan in the same city. According to Police Major Vincent Zozobrado, Chief of the Dalaguete Police Station, Jade had long been on their radar as a High-Value Individual (HVI) in their drug watchlist.
Major Zozobrado revealed that the suspect had abandoned his legitimate work as a painter to focus entirely on his illegal shabu business. The police operation in Barangay Tapon was the culmination of persistent surveillance on his activities.
Seized Evidence and Criminal History
The operation yielded significant evidence confiscated from the suspect. The seized items include:
- 38 sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated total weight of 1.9 grams and a street value of P12,920.
- Marked buy-bust money amounting to P500 and an additional P300 believed to be proceeds from drug sales.
- Various drug paraphernalia and containers.
- A Yamaha NMAX motorcycle, presumably used in his illegal transactions.
Jade is no stranger to the law. His record shows he was arrested two years prior for similar charges involving illegal drugs and possession of firearms. Furthermore, he has a pending case for drugs and weapons filed after he was previously intercepted at a checkpoint in the neighboring Sibonga City.
Legal Consequences Await
The suspect is now detained and facing the full force of the law. Authorities are preparing to file additional charges against him for violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. With his status as a high-value target and his prior record, Jade is expected to face stringent legal proceedings for his alleged continued involvement in the drug trade.
