PNP authorities have seized over P26 million worth of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) in a series of buy-bust operations in various locations, including Tagbilaran City, Balilihan, Candijay, and Consolacion, Cebu, in a major crackdown on illegal drug trade in Central Visayas.
The largest haul was made on December 20, 2024, in Consolacion, Cebu, where police arrested James Estenzo Lacang, 46, a native of Dauis, Bohol, and seized shabu worth around P13 million.
Lacang, who was previously arrested in Bohol, was caught in a sting operation in barangay Pulpugan, Consolacion town, Cebu province.
According to reports, the suspected shabu seized from Lacang came from Abuyog Penal Farm and was being distributed by a drug personality currently detained at the said detention facility.
In Tagbilaran City, police arrested Adrian Pagente, a resident of barangay Libaong, Panglao, on December 23, 2024, and seized over 1.2 kilos of shabu worth over P8 million.
The buy-bust operation was conducted by authorities after Pagente allegedly engaged in illegal drug trade.
The suspect was arrested after transacting with a poseur buyer in a sting operation in barangay Bool, Tagbilaran City.
On the same day, another suspect, Raymund Martin Rex, 33, alias “Tonton”, was arrested in a separate operation in Tagbilaran City.
Rex, a resident of Purok 5, barangay Tiptip, yielded 300 grams of shabu worth P2.04 million. The suspected shabu seized from Rex has a total weight of 300 grams and is valued at P2.04 million based on the Standard Drug Price.
In Balilihan, police arrested Michael Jimenez Legitmas, 37, alias “Lolong”, on December 24, 2024, and seized 205 grams of shabu worth P1.3 million.
The buy-bust operation was conducted by authorities led by newly-minted Balilihan police chief Lt. Thomas Zen Cheung in barangay Cogon, Balilihan.
Legitmas, a native of barangay Mahayag, Dagohoy, but residing in barangay Poblacion, Panglao, was caught after allegedly selling shabu to a poseur buyer.
In Candijay, police arrested Jomari Paeldan, 21, a resident of Mabini town, on December 27, 2024, and seized a small amount of shabu worth P1,700.
The buy-bust operation was conducted by authorities in barangay Panadtaran, Candijay town, after Paeldan was detected to be allegedly involved in the drug trade.
The total amount of shabu seized in the series of operations is worth over P26 million (P13 million + P8 million + P2.04 million + P1.3 million + P1,700 = P26,041,700).
The suspects are facing charges of violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.