Authorities in Cebu reported a significant drug bust on Christmas Day, arresting a suspected peddler and confiscating millions of pesos worth of illegal substances in Talisay City. The operation highlights a noted increase in drug activity during the holiday season.
Major Christmas Day Operation Nets High-Value Target
Operatives from the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) conducted a successful buy-bust operation on Thursday, December 25, at 2:25 p.m. The target was Louie Ortiz Bayugan, alias “Taloy,” a 36-year-old resident of Sitio Rose Ville, Barangay Lawaan 1.
The arrest took place in Sitio Gawad Kalinga, Barangay Lawaan 2, after Bayugan allegedly handed a packet of suspected shabu to an undercover police officer. Following his apprehension, authorities recovered several packs of the suspected illegal drug.
Massive Haul and Holiday Supply Influx
The seized evidence weighed approximately 315 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P2.1 million. Police described Bayugan as a known drug peddler in the area who had been under surveillance for several weeks.
Investigators observed a noticeable influx in his supply coinciding with the Christmas season. During interrogation, Bayugan admitted to police that he could sell between 300 to 500 grams of shabu weekly, confirming that demand spikes during the holidays.
He further disclosed that his supply chain was linked to the Abuyog Penal Farm in Leyte, from where the drugs were allegedly sent to him for distribution in Cebu.
Linked Motorcycle Theft Case in Cebu City
In a related incident highlighting the trade of stolen goods for drugs, police in Cebu City recovered a stolen motorcycle. Personnel from the Mabolo Police Station found a Yamaha Aerox in Barangay Sambag 1 after an investigation revealed it was traded for shabu worth P7,000.
The thief was arrested in a follow-up operation on Tuesday, December 23, and is detained at the Mabolo Police Station. The theft occurred at dawn on Sunday, December 21, along M.J. Cuenco Ave. in Barangay Banilad.
The case was cracked after surveillance footage from a nearby establishment went viral on social media. The footage showed:
- The motorcycle crashing into a railing.
- Bystanders helping the male driver to the roadside, where he fell asleep.
- Moments later, the thief driving the motorcycle away.
Online informants identified the individual in the viral video, leading to his swift arrest.
Impact on Local Drug Trade
The CPPO believes that Bayugan's arrest will significantly reduce the supply of illegal drugs in Talisay City and neighboring barangays. This major bust during a time of expected increased activity serves as a stern warning from law enforcement agencies in Central Visayas.
