Authorities in Cebu City have arrested a suspected drug lord with ties to a dealer in Tagbilaran City, seizing P34 million worth of alleged shabu in the process.
Maria Christine Abarquez, alias “Tinang,” was taken into custody on Oct. 11 following a buy-bust operation in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City, according to Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Central Visayas information officer Leia Alcantara.
Abarquez’s arrest was linked to the apprehension of Robert Terro in Tagbilaran City last month.
Authorities alleged that Abarquez supplied Terro with drugs.
The seized shabu, weighing around five kilograms, was reportedly sourced from the National Capital Region and was intended for distribution in Cebu City.
In a separate development, the Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) reported seizing almost P3 million worth of alleged shabu in six operations conducted from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13.
Four drug suspects were arrested during the period and have been charged before the Prosecutors’ Office in Bohol.
Meanwhile, police in Panglao arrested a 33-year-old suspect, Venancio Raña, following a buy-bust operation on Oct. 16. Raña, a resident of Barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City, was caught with two grams of alleged shabu valued at P13,600.
In Sikatuna, a man identified as Jervy Angelo Namoc was arrested on Oct. 15 after a buy-bust operation.
Namoc, a resident of Barangay Doljo, Panglao, was found with 0.4 grams of alleged shabu valued at P2,720.
In Tagbilaran City, the City Drug Enforcement Team arrested a 30-year-old suspect, Roel Malalis, on Oct. 16 after a buy-bust operation in Barangay Taloto.
Malalis was found with seven grams of alleged shabu valued at P46,600.
All suspects will face charges of violating the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.