P4.7M in illegal drugs seized in Mandaue; minor arrested

Around P4.7 million in suspected shabu were confiscated from three suspects, including a minor, in a buy-bust operation in Mandaue City.

Arrested were Belen Tiro Abella a.k.a. “Day o Belinda,” 36; Christian Quibol Baham, 38; and a 15-year-old boy from Sitio Suba, Pasil, Cebu City. Abella and Baham are from Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Duljo.

The operation was conducted at 11 p.m. of Wednesday, Nov. 28, by the Drug Enforcement Unit of the City Intelligence Branch (CIB) of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO). It was led by Supt. Bernouli Abalos, chief of the CIB.

MCPO spokesperson Chief Insp. Mercy Villaro said the suspects are newly identified drug players.

A concerned citizen tipped the CIB on the group’s illegal transactions.

The subject of the operation was Abella, who said that although he admits that he was in possession of the drugs, he was only running an errand.

Abella said he only started with the illegal drug trade last September, and that he was compelled to do it since he has four children to raise.

Abellana said he, Bahan and the 15-year-old boy are involved in the delivery of illegal drugs, although Bahan said he was just a habal-habal driver and that the former only hired him to bring him to his destination.

Villaro said the supposed transaction started in the morning, although it was delayed since the meeting place was always moved.

Seized from the suspects were suspected shabu weighing 400 grams, which has a Dangerous Drugs Board value of P4,720,000.

The police also confiscated the motorcycle used by the suspects.

The Cebu City Police Office also identified the three suspects as newly identified drug players.

An investigation is also being pursued to determine their source of supply.