P2.3M shabu seized in Mandaue drug bust

More than P2.3 million worth of illegal drugs were seized from a newly-identified drug personality in a buybust operation Wednesday afternoon in Barangay Guizo, Mandaue City

Seized from the suspect, Bernadito Comendador Pepito, 38, a native of Danao City, were 200 grams of shabu worth P2.3 million by the City Intelligence Branch of Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO).

Police Senior Superintendent Roberto Alanas, MCPO director, said Pepito was not included on the police drug watchlist.

“Nevertheless, he is considered as big fish. Based on the volume of drugs seized, masasabi natin na member siya sa malaking sindikato,” he said.

Pepito’s name and his illegal drug trade were reported to the MCPO through its Oplan Text Hand, a program wherein citizens can report any drug-related information.

The program was set up to support the Oplan TokHang campaign of the Philippine National Police.

Alanas said Pepito was placed under surveillance for about a week prior to the suspect’s arrest.

Pepito allegedly was operating across Cebu province, particularly Metro Cebu.

Alanas said they will conduct a thorough background check on Pepito.

Moreover, citizens are encouraged to report any information about drugs and criminalities to MCPO text hotline: 09773935463

“Sana ipagpatuloy (nila) ang pag-report sa text hang,” said Alanas.

Meanwhile in Consolacion, five suspected drug personalities were arrested in separate buy-bust operations in barangays of Pulpogan, Panoypoy, and Nangka on Wednesday and Thursday.

The arrested suspects were identified as Jeffrey Antolijao, 28; Ryan Navarro, 28; Vernie Bughao, 33; Richard Villamor, 52; and Kevin Bacuba, 25.

Recovered from the suspects were 35 small packs and one medium pack of shabu worth P82, 884.

A loaded.38 caliber revolver was also seized from Bacuba.