Operatives from the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) in Region 7 have apprehended an Indian national in Cebu City for allegedly selling illegal drugs from his local business.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The suspect, identified as Lalith Chellaram Sangwani, 42, was taken into custody on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. The arrest occurred at approximately 3:20 p.m. at the Arcade Building on F. Cabahug Street in Barangay Kamputhaw, where Sangwani both resides and operates an Indian mini mart.
Authorities confiscated 24 bottles containing a substance believed to be opium, with a total weight of 320 grams. According to standard drug pricing, the seized contraband has an estimated street value of P208,000. Opium is a primary raw material for producing dangerous narcotics like heroin, codeine, and morphine.
Week-Long Surveillance Leads to Warrant
The PDEG 7 launched the operation after receiving intelligence that Sangwani was involved in drug trafficking alongside his legitimate retail business. Acting on orders from Police Lt. Col. Eduardo Guevara Jr., the acting commander of Special Operation Unit 7, agents placed the suspect under surveillance for one week.
Following a confirmed test buy and further evidence gathering, the unit applied for a search warrant. Judge Anacleto Debalucos, the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 7th Judicial Region Branch 17 in Cebu City, approved the warrant on the day of the arrest.
Operation "Coplan Mekus-Mekus" and Additional Evidence
With the court order in hand, PDEG 7 personnel executed "Coplan Mekus-Mekus," which successfully resulted in Sangwani's capture. Beyond the suspected drugs, police also seized several other items from the scene, including:
- A plastic bag containing cash amounting to P163,455,000
- 24 ATM cards issued by various banks
- Six cellular phones
- A wristwatch
The confiscated drugs are now in the custody of the PNP Forensic Unit 7 for definitive chemical analysis. Meanwhile, the police are preparing to file charges against Sangwani for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
