Authorities in Central Visayas have dealt a massive blow to a major drug distribution network, seizing an estimated eight kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P54.4 million and arresting four individuals, including a suspected national-level distributor.
Major Bust in Naga City
The successful buy-bust operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 on the evening of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, in Sitio Suba, Barangay Tuyan, Naga City, Cebu. The primary target, a 47-year-old driver known as alias Clifford from South Poblacion, Naga, was apprehended alongside three alleged cohorts.
His arrested companions were identified as alias Maricel, 39, from Barangay Tuyan, Naga; alias Joseph, 52, a driver from Looc, Mandaue City; and alias Barbara, 29, an online seller from Umapad, Mandaue City.
Target Was a National Wholesaler
PDEA 7 Director Joel Plaza classified Clifford as a National Wholesaler within the illicit drug trade. According to PDEA 7 information officer Leia Alcantara, the agency had been building a case against the suspect since April 2025, with intelligence indicating he was capable of selling up to five kilograms of shabu per week.
Thessa Tiuzen, Acting Assistant Regional Director of PDEA 7, revealed that Clifford's drug supply originated from both Metro Manila and Mindanao. His operation was responsible for distributing the illegal substances across the islands of Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental.
This assessment was corroborated by Police Colonel Abubakar Mangelen Jr., chief of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), who confirmed Clifford acted as the leader of an organized, independent drug group operating within the province.
Evidence Seized and Governor's Stern Warning
Operatives recovered from the suspects the eight large packs of shabu bearing Chinese characters, seven mobile phones, buy-bust money, and various ATM cards. The operation was a collaborative effort involving PDEA 7 Cebu Provincial Office, its Intelligence Section, Naga City Police, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), Naval Forces Central, and Coast Guard District Central Visayas.
Following the bust, Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro personally visited the PDEA 7 office and expressed deep concern over the sheer volume of drugs intercepted. She emphasized that suppressing the drug trade is a top priority of her administration to protect the youth.
Issuing a direct challenge to drug lords, Governor Baricuatro stated, "We know who you are. It will be a matter of time, there will be a day of reckoning for you."
Both the Governor and Colonel Mangelen acknowledged the ongoing challenge of monitoring entry points like ports. However, they assured the public that the newly formed Inter-Agency Task Force is committed to working together to completely block the entry of illegal drugs into Cebu.
