P3.4 million shabu seized in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Illegal drugs worth around P3.4 million were confiscated from two alleged shabu dealers in two separate buy-bust operations in Cebu City Monday night.

Most of the recovered drugs were seized from Jungbae "Chan-Chan" Sumayang, 21, a high-value target in the regional drug watchlist.

Recovered from Sumayang were four large and 29 small packs of shabu weighing 350 grams with an estimated value of P2.38 million.

Last Monday evening in Sitio Naba, Barangay Mambaling, personnel from the Mambaling Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency hatched a joint operation against Sumayang, resulting in his arrest and the seizure of drugs.

Aside from drug trading, the suspect was also tagged in recent shooting incidents in the village.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, said Sumayang was a subject of a hot pursuit.

"Kani si Jungbae dugay na gyud ni siya nga target. Taud-taod gyud ni siya gipangita pero medyo idlas pud," Parilla said.

Parilla said drug personalities nabbed in previous operations named Sumayang as their drug source.

Sumayang reportedly could dispose of 500 grams of shabu a week.

Police are also looking into reports that Sumayang was transacting with his cousin, Bonjo Alegarme Sumayang, who is serving time at the Cebu City Jail for drug charges.

“Ato ng gisubay ron kay gituohan nga mao ni ang nagsugo or utok sa pagpamusil diha (Mambaling) sa mga naalaan nga maoy nagsumbong sa illegal activities ngadto sa pulis,” said Parilla.

In a separate buy-bust operation in Barangay Lorega San Miguel, John Christian Nonay, 23, was caught with 150 grams of shabu worth over P1 million.

Nonay said he joined the drug business after he lost his job as an embalmer.

He said he was lured into drug trading after a P2 million promise in exchange for selling illegal drugs. He admitted regretting his actions.

Investigators said Nonay and his suppliers used Facebook in their drug dealings.

Both Sumayang and Nonay are set to face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article 2 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act). — Brigida Ramos Gerzon and Sly Español Baseo, CNU Interns, KQD (FREEMAN)