A 40-year-old ex-convict was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City, early Sunday, July 5, 2026, after being found with 50 grams of shabu valued at P340,000.
Suspect identified and monitored for a month
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 Director Joel Plaza identified the suspect as alias Bebong, a resident of Aboitiz Road, North Reclamation Area in the same barangay. The operation was conducted by PDEA Mandaue operatives, assisted by Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) Station 2.
According to Leia Alcantara, information officer of PDEA 7, the suspect had been under case buildup for a month after they received information from a reliable source. Police learned that Bebong was selling 200 to 300 grams of shabu weekly.
Prior drug conviction and return to illegal trade
Background investigation revealed that Bebong had been arrested in 2017 for a similar drug case but was released under a plea bargaining agreement. Instead of reforming, he returned to his illegal drug trade.
Aside from the 50 grams of shabu, authorities also seized from the suspect a smartphone, buy-bust money, and a motorcycle.
Evidence submitted, charges prepared
The evidence has been submitted to the PDEA 7 Regional Office Laboratory for examination, while the suspect is currently in their custodial facility. Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared against him.
