Authorities from the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7), in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 7 (PDEA-7), raided an apartment on D. Jakosalem Street, Barangay Zapatera, Cebu City, on Monday, June 30.
The apartment was believed to be an illegal drug laboratory. Arrested during the operation was Stephen, 32, who allegedly manufactured various illegal drugs in his residence.
According to PRO-7 Director Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan, the site had been under surveillance for nearly five months before authorities secured a search warrant.
Recovered from the apartment were several sachets of suspected shabu and cocaine, 59 orange capsules believed to be ecstasy, empty capsules, bottles, a capsule container, and bubble wrap. The total value of the confiscated items was estimated at ₱2.2 million.
Maranan added that Stephen was reportedly supplying illegal drugs across Central and Western Visayas, particularly in popular tourist destinations.
Authorities also confirmed that Stephen has a background in chemical engineering and was identified through prior successful police operations.
A deeper investigation is ongoing.
