Over P4 million shabu seized in Talisay City, 2 arrested

CEBU, Philippines — Operatives from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 nabbed two individuals in a buy-bust operation Thursday evening at sitio San Rafael, Tangke, Talisay City.

The operation was also conducted in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Talisay City Police Station.

Arrested was the subject of the operation identified as Egie Abenes Relampagos, also known as “Kong-Kong,” 30, a fisherman, a resident of sitio Rattan in the said barangay, and tagged as a high-value individual.

Also arrested was the 34-year-old cohort and an e-bike driver, Randy Mabala Daan, also known as "Jakilo," single and a resident of sitio Magay in the said barangay.

Seized from Relampagos were 12 sachets of suspected shabu, one sling bag, a genuine P500 bill, P350 believed to be proceeds of illegal drugs, and buy-bust money. Also recovered from Daan’s possession were one unit of 9mm caliber Armscor pistol, one black inside holster, one steel magazine for the 9mm pistol, and four pieces of live ammunition for the said caliber firearm.

A total of 600 grams of suspected shabu were confiscated, with an estimated value of P4,080,000.

The suspects were under one-week surveillance monitoring and could allegedly dispose of 200 grams of shabu weekly, the police said.

Bohol operation

Meanwhile, in a separate operation in the Province of Bohol, members of the PDEA-Bohol Provincial Office, together with other anti-illegal drug operatives, arrested live-in partners who allegedly ran a drug den in Tagbilaran City.

Police identified the suspects as Sarah Jane Espejo, 29, a sidewalk vendor, and Nelmar Maputol, 39, a construction worker, who allegedly operated the drug den inside their house.

Also arrested was Anthony Baliling, 28, a barber and a suspected drug den visitor.

Confiscated during the operation were eight packs of suspected shabu weighing around 11 grams with an estimated average market value of P74,800, buy-bust money, two mobile phones, and various drug paraphernalia.

Authorities revealed that they received information from a confidential informant about the suspects, and they can allegedly dispose of 10-15 grams of shabu weekly.

The suspects were currently detained while waiting for the filing of appropriate charges against them.