P15M drugs seized in buy bust operation in Cebu City
![P15M drugs seized in buy bust operation in Cebu City](https://media.philstar.com/photos/2024/07/25/5_2024-07-25_22-16-54.jpg)
CEBU, Philippines — Illegal drugs worth close to P15 million were seized in three barangays in Cebu City in a two-day operation by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7.
According to authorities, they seized 2,210 grams of illegal drugs worth P15 million during their buy-bust operations in Barangays Kalunasan, Inayawan and Quiot, Cebu City, last July 24-25,2024.
In their first operation in Sitio Subusteha Brgy. Kalunasan, the RPDEU-7 caught the subject of the buy-bust operation, 31-year-old Argie Parame Rivas alyas “Totong,” a resident in the area, who is considered a high-value individual. Seized from him was P13.9 million worth of drugs.
Rivas was reportedly placed under surveillance for three weeks after police received information that he was involved in the illegal trade.
Authorities disclosed that Rivas can dispose of a kilo of illegal drugs every week all over Cebu City.
In the anti-drug operation in Sitio Kulo, Brgy. Inayawan at 10:15 Wednesday, police were able to arrest Jason Mancia Lawat, a resident of Mananga 1, Brgy. Tabunok, City of Talisay with 60 grams of shabu worth P408,000.
While in Sitio Bogoville, Brgy. Quiot, Thursday afternoon, the RPDEU-7 conducted a buybust operation again, resulting in the seizure of 100 grams of shabu worth P680,000.
Wilson Tequin Mercede alyas Kikin, a 30-year-old resident of Sitio, Liberty, Brgy. Quiot Cebu City was arrested.
The confiscated illegal substances have been sent to the Regional Forensic Unit-7 for analysis and examination.
PRO-7 Regional Director Brigadier General Anthony Aberin revealed that the successful confiscation of illegal drugs in Central Visayas is the result of an aggressive, focused, highly analytical, and human-adherent drug campaign.
"This is the result of our sustained efforts to earn the trust and confidence of the community, ensuring integrity in the conduct of police operations in accordance with police operational procedures. We could not have achieved this without the overwhelming support from the Central Visayas community," said Aberin.
The suspects are now in the custody of the police and will be charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11 and Article II of Republic Act 9165. — (FREEMAN)
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