Police arrested a Bohol native in Cebu with P13.6 million worth of suspected methamphetamine (shabu) and nabbed another suspect in Dauis, Bohol during separate drug bust operations this week, in an intensified anti-drug efforts in the Central Visayas region.
Jame Estenzo Lacang, 46, originally from Bohol province, was apprehended around 3:20 p.m. Thursday in District 2, Barangay Pulpogan, Consolacion, Cebu, where he had taken up residence.
The operation was conducted jointly by the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit (MDEU) of Consolacion Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU).
Authorities recovered approximately two kilos of suspected methamphetamine, locally known as “shabu,” and a KG9 submachine gun loaded with five rounds of ammunition from Lacang’s possession.
In a separate operation Tuesday in Dauis, Bohol, police arrested Petronilo Perez, 46, of Barangay Tinago, after he allegedly sold drugs to an undercover officer.
The Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit seized 110 grams of suspected shabu valued at P748,000 during the operation.
Both suspects were classified as high-value targets, according to police officials.
Investigators said they had monitored Lacang’s alleged illegal activities for several weeks before the arrest and are now looking into possible connections between the two cases.
“These successive operations demonstrate our commitment to dismantling drug networks operating in the Central Visayas,” said a senior police official who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak about ongoing investigations.
Lacang is detained at the Consolacion Police Station, while Perez is held at the Dauis police facility.
Both suspects face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Lacang faces additional charges for illegal possession of firearms.