In a targeted anti-drug operation in Cebu City, authorities have apprehended two individuals allegedly involved in the illegal sale of e-cigarettes laced with a marijuana-derived substance. The main suspect, however, managed to evade capture, highlighting the ongoing challenges in drug enforcement efforts.
Late-Night Operation Leads to Arrests
The buy-bust was conducted late on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at approximately 10:55 p.m. along C. Padilla Street in Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City. The operation was a collaborative effort involving operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Cebu Provincial Office, the PDEA Intelligence Operation Unit, and the Mambaling Police Station.
Suspects Identified and Background Details
PDEA 7 Director Joel Plaza has identified the arrested suspects. One is an 18-year-old student enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS), known by the alias Finley, who resides in Sitio Plastican, Barangay Duljo Fatima. The other suspect is a 30-year-old e-bike driver using the alias Jeric, from Sitio Riverside in the same barangay.
Notably, Finley has a prior history with the law, having been previously arrested for an illegal drug case. He was participating in the Operation Second Chance program, which aims to rehabilitate individuals involved in drug-related offenses, underscoring the complexities of recidivism in drug enforcement scenarios.
Main Target Escapes and Evidence Seized
Despite the arrests, the primary target of the operation, alias Zairah, successfully escaped after noticing the presence of PDEA 7 personnel in the area. This escape points to the need for heightened vigilance and strategic planning in future drug busts to prevent such occurrences.
Authorities seized significant evidence from the suspects, including 20 e-cigarettes containing a yellowish liquid. This liquid is suspected to contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an illegal drug derived from marijuana. The confiscated items have been forwarded to the PDEA 7 Regional Office Laboratory for proper analysis and disposition, while the suspects are currently under the custody of PDEA 7.
Two-Week Case Buildup and Client Profile
According to Leia Alcantara, the information officer of PDEA-7, the operation was the result of an intensive two-week case buildup. The investigation targeted the suspect allegedly selling e-cigarettes flavored with marijuana, with a focus on gathering sufficient evidence to ensure a successful bust.
The clientele for these illegal e-cigarettes was reportedly diverse, including call center agents, foreigners, and patrons of high-end drinking establishments. This profile suggests a concerning trend of drug use among various social and professional groups in Cebu City, potentially indicating a broader issue that authorities are working to address.
Implications and Ongoing Efforts
This incident sheds light on the evolving methods of drug distribution, such as using e-cigarettes to conceal illegal substances like THC. It also emphasizes the importance of community cooperation and intelligence gathering in combating drug-related activities.
The PDEA and local police continue their efforts to track down the escaped suspect and dismantle similar operations, aiming to curb the spread of illegal drugs in the region and protect public health and safety.
