Joint PDEA and Police Operation Nabs High-Value Drug Suspect in Cebu City
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 Regional Special Enforcement Team, in collaboration with Mambaling Police Station 11, successfully apprehended a man included on the regional target list during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation. The arrest occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at approximately 3:10 a.m., marking a critical victory in the ongoing war against drug trafficking in the region.
Suspect Identified and Evidence Seized
PDEA 7 Regional Director Joel Plaza identified the suspect as alias Nelson, a 36-year-old computer shop attendant residing in Sityo Isla Alegre, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City. During the operation, authorities confiscated a substantial package of suspected shabu, weighing an estimated 50 grams. This quantity of drugs has an approximate market value of P340,000, based on average street prices, underscoring the scale of the illegal activity. Additionally, law enforcement recovered buy-bust money and a cellphone believed to have been utilized in facilitating the illicit transactions, providing crucial evidence for the case.
Legal Proceedings and Case Buildup
The seized evidence has been promptly forwarded to the PDEA 7 Regional Laboratory for thorough analysis and verification. Meanwhile, the suspect is currently detained at the agency's detention facility, awaiting formal charges. According to Leia Alcantara, the spokesperson for PDEA 7, the arrest followed an intensive one-month case buildup, during which investigators meticulously gathered intelligence and monitored the suspect's activities. Due to the significant weight of his alleged operations, Nelson was included on the PDEA-PNP Regional Target List, highlighting his status as a high-priority individual in the fight against drug-related crimes.
Charges Under Republic Act 9165
PDEA 7 is now preparing to file formal charges against the suspect for violations of Section 5 (Sale) and Section 11 (Possession) under Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These charges reflect the serious nature of the offenses, with potential severe penalties upon conviction. The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between PDEA and local police units in disrupting drug networks and upholding public safety in Cebu City and beyond.
