Over P278-M suspected shabu seized from motorcycle taxi driver in Cebu City

At least 41 kilograms of suspected shabu, with an estimated value of P278.8 million, were confiscated from a motorcycle taxi (habal-habal) driver during a buy-bust operation conducted on Sunday morning, DYSS Super Radyo GMA's Decemay P. Padilla reported.

The joint operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 7 (PDEA 7), the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group - Special Operating Unit, Naval Forces Central, and the Cebu City Police Office Station 4 along Arca Street in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, at 7:18 a.m. today, Sunday, October 10, 2026.

Padilla reported that this is the largest seizure of shabu in Central Visayas since 2016.

The suspect was identified by PDEA-7 Regional Director Joel B. Plaza as alias "Erwin," 30, a motorcycle taxi driver residing in Barangay Basak Pardo, Cebu City.

The authorities seized 41 vacuum-sealed plastic packs containing suspected shabu, weighing 41,000 grams with an estimated value of P278.8 million, buy-bust money, a cellular phone, a vehicle, and other non-drug evidence.

The said operation was based on information provided by a confidential informant.

The suspect was subjected to a month-long case build-up, which revealed that he could dispose of 5 to 10 kilos of shabu per week and that the area of ​​distribution is Cebu.

The evidence has been submitted to the PDEA 7 Regional Office Laboratory, while the suspect is temporarily in the custody of PDEA-7 in Lahug, Cebu City and will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165. — BAP, GMA News