A 43-year-old man who had eluded arrest in a previous drug case was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Cebu City that yielded around 550 grams of suspected shabu worth P3.74 million.
The suspect, identified as alias “Baki,” a jobless resident of Sitio Proper, Barangay Ermita, Cebu City, was arrested at about 4:58 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, following a two-week case buildup by anti-drug authorities.
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA 7) Regional Director Joel B. Plaza said authorities launched the operation after receiving information from a confidential informant about Baki’s alleged drug activities.
Operatives conducted surveillance and gathered information for about two weeks before proceeding with the buy-bust operation.
Authorities said their investigation indicated that Baki was allegedly disposing of about 500 grams of shabu every week.
The operation was conducted jointly by the PDEA Cebu City Team, Cebu City Police Office Station 5, CCPO City Drug Enforcement Unit and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operation Unit 7.
During the operation, authorities recovered 11 packs of suspected shabu weighing about 550 grams in total.
The seized drugs were placed at an estimated market value of P3.74 million.
Operatives also confiscated the buy-bust money, a smartphone and other items classified as non-drug evidence.
Authorities said Baki’s arrest was significant because he had previously been linked to a drug and firearms case filed by the Aloguinsan Municipal Police Station in 2014.
He was then facing alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
However, Baki allegedly eluded arrest after the cases were filed and remained at large until his latest apprehension in Cebu City.
Following the operation, Baki was brought to the PDEA 7 regional office in Lahug, Cebu City, where he was placed under the agency’s custody.
He is set to face charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of RA 9165, covering the sale and possession of dangerous drugs.
The suspected drug evidence was submitted to the PDEA 7 Regional Office Laboratory for examination and proper disposition.
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