Authorities in Cebu City scored a significant victory in the war against illegal drugs just before the New Year, apprehending a high-value target and confiscating a substantial quantity of shabu.
Major Drug Bust in Sitio Colo
The operation unfolded in Sitio Colo, Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City, at 6:55 in the evening on Friday, December 26, 2025. Personnel from the Inayawan Police Station, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7, conducted a successful buy-bust that led to the arrest of Romeo Abiso Gaviola, a 56-year-old resident of the area.
During the operation, law enforcers seized several packets of suspected shabu. The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 115 grams and have an estimated street value of P782,000. The buy-bust money used in the operation was also recovered.
Targeting Holiday Supply and Follow-Up Investigation
Police revealed that the Inayawan Station Drug Enforcement Team had placed Gaviola under surveillance following persistent reports of his involvement in the drug trade. Investigators discovered that the suspect was allegedly holding a large inventory of illegal substances intended to meet the anticipated high demand during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
In a development that could lead to more arrests, Gaviola reportedly identified his source of the illegal drugs. This information has prompted authorities to launch a follow-up operation to track down the supplier.
Charges Filed and Suspect Detained
The suspect now faces serious legal consequences. Police are preparing criminal complaints against Gaviola for violations of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
He is currently detained at the Inayawan Police Station as the legal proceedings against him begin. This arrest underscores the continued efforts of local police and PDEA to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs in Cebu communities.
