In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 and the Philippine National Police (PNP) successfully apprehended five high-value targets (HVTs) during two distinct operations conducted in Mandaue City and Talisay City on Friday, March 13, 2026. The coordinated efforts resulted in the confiscation of substantial quantities of shabu and the dismantling of a notorious drug den, marking a major victory in the ongoing battle against narcotics in the region.
Mandaue City Operation Yields Major Seizure
The first operation was launched at 5:20 PM on F.F. Cruz Street in Mandaue City, where authorities arrested two suspected drug dealers. PDEA 7 Director Joel Plaza identified the suspects as alias Saac, a 23-year-old resident of Barangay Ermita, and alias Rongen, an 18-year-old from Barangay Suba in Cebu City. From these individuals, law enforcement recovered eight packages of suspected shabu weighing approximately 750 grams, with an estimated street value of P5.1 million. Additional items seized included buy-bust money, weighing scales, two cellphones, and a motorcycle.
Intensive Surveillance Leads to Arrest
According to Leia Alcantara, spokesperson for PDEA 7, alias Saac had been under surveillance for two weeks as part of a case buildup. He was allegedly capable of selling one to two kilograms of shabu per week, highlighting his significant role in the local drug trade. This meticulous investigation underscores the agency's commitment to targeting high-level operatives to disrupt supply chains effectively.
Talisay City Drug Den Dismantled
Subsequently, at 6:40 PM, the PDEA-Cebu Provincial Office and Talisay City Police raided a drug den located in Sityo Abalo, Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City. The operation led to the arrest of the den's manager, alias Bernie, aged 64. Records indicate that alias Bernie had previously been arrested in 2016 but resumed illegal activities after being released from prison in 2024. Two construction workers, identified as alias Raul, 62, and alias Marvin, 30, were also apprehended while allegedly engaging in a pot session inside the den.
Seizures and Legal Proceedings
During this raid, authorities confiscated 11.02 grams of shabu valued at P74,936. All suspects are currently detained at the PDEA 7 detention facility in Sityo Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City. Charges are being prepared for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which could result in severe penalties upon conviction.
These operations demonstrate the relentless efforts of Philippine law enforcement agencies to combat drug proliferation in Central Visayas. By targeting high-value individuals and dismantling distribution networks, authorities aim to curb the spread of dangerous substances and enhance public safety across the community.
