Major Drug and Firearms Bust in Cebu City
Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Lapu-Lapu City Field Unit successfully arrested a suspected member of a drug and firearms trafficking group during a buy-bust operation in the early hours of Sunday, November 23, 2025.
The operation took place at approximately 1:00 AM at Ybañez Compound in Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City. Authorities apprehended Lyndon Cortes Canrillas, also known as "Mel," a 44-year-old resident of Barangay Basak San Nicolas in Cebu City.
Evidence Seized During Operation
During the arrest, operatives recovered significant evidence including:
- One caliber .45 Taurus pistol with magazine
- Seven rounds of ammunition
- One packet of suspected shabu
- Boodle money amounting to P11,000 used in the firearms buy-bust operation
All seized items are currently under the custody of the PNP Forensic Unit 7 for proper examination and documentation.
Connection to Notorious Criminal Group
According to CIDG 7 investigation, Canrillas is identified as a member of the Corverq Group, a criminal organization known for distributing illegal drugs and firearms in the region. The suspect had been under surveillance for some time after his name surfaced as a supplier of weapons and drugs for the Coplan-Lionfish group.
The successful operation was part of Oplan Paglalansag Omega and Oplan Salikop, which serve as the flagship programs of the CIDG in combating organized crime.
Canrillas now faces charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms) and Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002). The cases highlight the ongoing efforts of Philippine law enforcement to combat the interconnected trades of illegal weapons and narcotics.
