In a significant pre-Christmas crackdown on drug trafficking, law enforcement agencies in Cebu and Bohol successfully seized PHP28.5 million worth of suspected shabu in two separate operations on December 23, 2024. In Cebu City, a 38-year-old woman, known only as ‘Nesan,’ was apprehended during a buy-bust operation on F. Cabahug Street in Barangay Kasambagan. The police confiscated 3,010 grams of the illicit substance, estimated to be worth PHP20.4 million. Nesan, a resident of Sitio Sudlon in Barangay Lahug, was believed to be a key courier and keeper, capable of distributing between 3 to 5 kilograms of shabu weekly across the cities of Talisay, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu. On the same day in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, a 22-year-old boatman was arrested in Purok 7, Barangay Bool, with 1,200 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP8.1 million. This operation was part of the ‘Oplan Limpyo Tagbilaran’ anti-drug initiative. The boatman, from Barangay Libaong on Panglao Island, is currently under investigation to trace the origins of his drug supply. All seized substances have been forwarded to the Philippine National Police’s Forensic Unit 7 for detailed chemical analysis. Both suspects are expected to face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, once judicial proceedings resume post-holidays.
