Cops seize P816K worth of shabu in Cebu City bust

MANILA, Philippines — At least 17 packs of suspected crystal meth or shabu estimated to be worth P816,000 were seized by police operatives during an anti-drug operation in Cebu City on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

According to the PNP’s Public Information Office, operatives arrested a certain Clinton Rhey Sypieco Belhida, 25, at Sitio Lahing-lahing II, Barangay (village) Mabolo in Cebu City.

The shabu seized from the suspect weighed around 120 grams, the PNP said.

Charges for violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being readied for filing against Belhida, the PNP said.

Wednesday’s bust follows another operation in Barangay Tisa in Cebu City on Tuesday which ended with the arrest of a high value suspect and the seizure of some P1.4 million worth of shabu.

The PNP says it is anticipating an increase in the demand for illegal drugs as more establishments, including bars and clubs, start reopening in Cebu City.

READ: Tisa buy-bust: HVI nabbed with P1.4M worth of shabu

READ: Demand for illegal drugs may increase as most bars open in Cebu City

“We assure the public that all of our PNP units around the country in coordination with other partner law enforcement agency will continue to intensify the anti-drug operation against shabu and other prohibited drugs,”PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said in the statement.

“We will not stop until the last drug personality is put to jail,” he added.