PDEA 7 Dismantles Drug Den in Cebu City, Arrests Four Suspects in Major Operation
In a significant crackdown on illegal drug activities, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 successfully dismantled a drug den located in Sityo I-Tamba, Barangay Pardo, Cebu City. The operation, conducted on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, 2026, at 2:47 PM, resulted in the arrest of four individuals involved in the illicit trade.
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
PDEA 7 Director Joel Plaza identified the primary target of the operation as an alias "John," a 37-year-old individual who was allegedly running the drug den. Also apprehended were alias "Henry," 39, a worker at the den, and two customers caught in the act of using shabu: alias "Melvin," a 44-year-old on-call taxi driver, and alias "Mark," a 29-year-old dishwasher who also resides in the area.
During the raid, authorities seized six packages of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 13 grams with an estimated street value of P88,400. Additionally, buy-bust money and various drug paraphernalia were confiscated as evidence.
Investigation and Background of the Operation
According to Leia Alcantara, Information Officer for PDEA 7, the operation followed a two-week case buildup after receiving crucial information from a confidential informant. It was revealed that alias "John" had been selling up to 10 grams of shabu per week, primarily targeting drivers and neighbors as his customers.
The seized evidence has been forwarded to the PDEA 7 Regional Laboratory for further examination to confirm the substances and strengthen the case against the suspects.
Legal Proceedings and Current Status
Currently, all four suspects are being held in the custodial facility at PDEA in Barangay Lahug. Authorities are preparing charges for violations of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, which could lead to severe penalties upon conviction.
This operation underscores PDEA's ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes in the region, aiming to disrupt supply chains and protect communities from the harmful effects of illegal substances.
