Three Suspects Apprehended in Cebu City Drug Den Operation
In a coordinated late-night operation, authorities conducted a successful drug den raid in Sitio Lower Sto. Niño, Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. The raid, which took place at 11:11 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, was executed by operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Central Visayas (PDEA 7) in collaboration with the Inayawan Police Station 7.
Target and Apprehended Suspects Identified
PDEA 7 Director Joel Plaza confirmed that the primary target of the operation was alias Mark, a 42-year-old individual allegedly running the drug den. Among those arrested were two men caught inside the premises using shabu: alias Franklin, a 53-year-old driver, and alias Ronel, a 41-year-old sidewalk vendor. Both Franklin and Ronel are residents of the area, adding a local dimension to the case.
Significant Seizure of Illegal Substances
During the raid, law enforcement officers seized seven packets of shabu, with a total weight of 15 grams. The estimated street value of the confiscated drugs is P102,000, highlighting the substantial impact of this operation on the local drug trade. In addition to the shabu, various drug paraphernalia were also confiscated, further dismantling the illegal activities at the site.
Evidence Custody and Suspect Detention
The seized pieces of evidence have been transferred to the custody of the PDEA 7 Regional Office Laboratory for thorough analysis and documentation. Meanwhile, the arrested suspects are currently detained at the agency’s office located in Sudlon, Barangay Lahug, where they will face legal proceedings related to their alleged involvement in drug-related offenses.
Background and Case Buildup
According to Leia Alcantara, the information officer of PDEA 7, the operation against alias Mark was the result of a meticulous two-week case buildup. This investigation was initiated after receiving credible information from a trusted source, underscoring the agency’s proactive approach in combating drug trafficking. It was reported that Mark had been selling approximately 20 to 30 grams of shabu per week, indicating a persistent and significant operation.
Further background investigation revealed that Mark had a prior arrest in September 2021 for a similar illegal drug case, suggesting a pattern of involvement in narcotics activities. This history likely contributed to the intensified surveillance and eventual raid, as authorities aimed to curb repeat offenses and enhance public safety in the community.
