Drug suspect with ₱6.8M in shabu nabbed in Lapu-Lapu
A high-value drug target was apprehended in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, after authorities seized a staggering ₱6.8 million worth of suspected shabu in a successful buy-bust operation.
A 26-year-old habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) driver known by the alias "Hudas" was arrested in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, on March 1, 2025, during a coordinated buy-bust operation. The suspect, a resident of Barangay Candawan, Barangay Basak, was apprehended in Poblacion Ram, Barangay Babag, Lapu-Lapu City after authorities seized approximately 1 kilogram of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) valued at ₱6.8 million. The operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 in coordination with the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) Station 3, the City Intelligence Unit, and the Drug Enforcement Unit of LCPO following a three-day investigation.
PDEA-7 Regional Director Joel Plaza disclosed that the suspect was a high-value target who reportedly distributed about 1 kilogram of shabu weekly in the area. During the operation, authorities confiscated not only the illegal drugs but also buy-bust money, a mobile phone, and other non-drug items as evidence. The seized drugs were sent to the PDEA-7 Regional Office for laboratory testing and proper documentation.
The suspect is currently detained at the PDEA-7 facility in Lahug, Cebu City, awaiting the filing of appropriate charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This arrest is part of the ongoing intensified anti-drug campaign in Central Visayas, where authorities have been targeting high-value individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
This operation demonstrates the continued collaboration between PDEA and local police units in combating drug trafficking in the region. The successful apprehension of a suspect with such a substantial quantity of shabu represents a significant blow to drug distribution networks operating in Lapu-Lapu City and surrounding areas, contributing to the broader national effort to curb the illegal drug trade in the Philippines.
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