Major Drug Bust in Cebu City Nets P748,000 in Suspected Shabu
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 7 successfully conducted a buy-bust operation in Cebu City, leading to the arrest of two drug personalities and the seizure of suspected shabu worth nearly a million pesos. The operation, which took place on Monday, April 20, 2026, along Sto. Niño Street in Barangay Luz, marks a critical victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the region.
Details of the Arrest and Confiscation
PDEA 7 Director Joel Plaza identified the apprehended individuals as alias Jegan, a 41-year-old on-call construction painter who was the primary target of the operation, and alias Jerme, a 36-year-old resident of Barangay Kasambagan. Authorities recovered three large packages of suspected shabu from the suspects, weighing approximately 110 grams with an estimated street value of P748,000. In addition to the illicit drugs, law enforcement officers confiscated buy-bust money and various non-drug evidence, further strengthening the case against the accused.
Investigation and Background of the Suspects
According to Leia Alcantara, spokesperson for PDEA 7, the agency had been conducting a three-week case buildup on the two individuals after receiving credible information from a trusted source. It was revealed that the suspects were allegedly selling between 50 to 60 grams of shabu per week, indicating a substantial level of involvement in the drug trade. Alcantara added that the duo is suspected of operating a drug den, a claim currently under intensive investigation by PDEA intelligence personnel to verify its extent and connections.
Further scrutiny is being directed towards identifying the suppliers of these illegal substances. Notably, alias Jerme had recently completed a drug rehabilitation treatment at a facility in November 2025 but reportedly returned to illicit activities shortly after, highlighting the challenges of relapse in addiction recovery efforts.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Evidence Handling
The seized evidence has been forwarded to the PDEA 7 Laboratory for thorough examination to confirm the nature and purity of the substances. Meanwhile, the suspects are currently detained at the PDEA 7 detention facility in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, awaiting formal charges and legal proceedings. This operation underscores PDEA's commitment to disrupting drug networks and enforcing anti-drug laws in the Philippines.
