Cebu cops kill drug suspect, seize P20M in ‘brown’ shabu

CEBU CITY—A suspect allegedly with links to drug syndicates operating from the New Bilibid Prison was killed and at least P20 million in what police described as “brown” shabu, or crystal meth, was seized in a buy-bust operation in the town of Cordova, Cebu province on Monday (April 12), according to police.

Joven Engalan Silong suffered three gunshot wounds in the chest during a clash with Cebu provincial police, said Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, Central Visayas police chief, at a press conference.

Montejo said brown shabu could be a low-grade variant of methamphetamine hydrochloride or an adulterated version of meth.

Montejo said he will ask the police crime lab to check the substance.

According to Montejo, Silong has bee under surveillance for at least two weeks prior to the buy-bust operation.

Montejo said Silong was a resident of the village of Pasil in Cebu City.

Silong pulled out a gun from his waist when he realized he had been dealing with undercover policemen, according to Montejo.

But the operatives were quick enough to shoot Silong, he said.

Initial investigation showed Silong may have links with drug syndicates who continue to operate from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.

“From what we know, the suspect is capable of distributing 10 kilos of shabu in two weeks,” said Montejo.

TSB