The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 conducted a buy-bust operation in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City, on Friday evening, July 10, 2026. The suspect, identified as alias Carl, 32, a resident of Barangay Jugan, Consolacion, was caught with 500 grams of suspected shabu, estimated to be worth P3.4 million. PDEA-7 Director, Emilio C. Abaygar III, said in a statement that the operation was conducted in coordination with the City Intelligence Unit of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO). The operation stemmed from surveillance and monitoring of suspected drug transactions in the area, Abaygar III added.

The suspect was arrested and is currently detained at the Mandaue City Police Station.

The operation was led by PDEA-7's Regional Director, Emilio C. Abaygar III, who has been at the helm of the agency since January 2020. Abaygar III has a reputation for being tough on illegal drugs, having implemented several successful buy-bust operations in the past. Under his leadership, PDEA-7 has confiscated millions of pesos worth of illegal drugs and arrested dozens of suspects.

The 500 grams of shabu seized from the suspect is estimated to be worth around P3.4 million on the streets. This is a significant amount, considering the average price of shabu in Cebu City is around P10,000 to P20,000 per gram. The seized shabu is now undergoing forensic testing to determine its purity and authenticity.

The arrest of alias Carl is the latest in a series of high-profile drug busts in Cebu. Last month, PDEA-7 confiscated over P10 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation in Lapu-Lapu City. The operation, led by Abaygar III, resulted in the arrest of five suspected drug pushers.

The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) has vowed to continue its efforts to rid the city of illegal drugs. MCPO Chief, Jonathan Cabal, said in a statement that the arrest of alias Carl is a significant blow to the city's drug trade. Cabal added that the MCPO will continue to work closely with PDEA-7 to identify and prosecute those involved in the illegal drug trade.

Key Facts

• 500 grams of shabu seized from the suspect • Estimated street value of P3.4 million • Aliases Carl arrested and detained at the Mandaue City Police Station • Operation led by PDEA-7 Director Emilio C. Abaygar III • Mandaue City Police Office vows to continue its efforts to rid the city of illegal drugs • Average price of shabu in Cebu City is around P10,000 to P20,000 per gram • PDEA-7 confiscates over P10 million worth of shabu in a buy-bust operation last month • Five suspected drug pushers arrested in Lapu-Lapu City last month