A mother and son were arrested in Cebu City on the morning of January 23, 2025, after authorities discovered 25 kilos of suspected shabu during a random inspection at Pier 4. The suspects were identified as Edward Roche Loga, 41, from Santo Rosario, Isabel, Leyte, and his mother, Edna Roche Loga, 63, from Barangay Ermita, Cebu City.
The breakthrough came after a K9 unit, specifically a dog named “Bayani,” detected the drugs hidden inside cardboard boxes marked “fragile” in the suspects’ vehicle. The discovery was made by officers from various law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7), the Maritime Police, the Bureau of Customs, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Navy, and the Cebu Port Authority.
In an exclusive interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, Alex Tablate, Acting Regional Director of PDEA-7, revealed that the drugs, which were likely transported from the National Capital Region (NCR) through Masbate, had an estimated value of P170 million. The seizure is considered a major victory for law enforcement agencies working together to combat the illegal drug trade in the region.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and suspect that the suspects might be part of a larger drug trafficking network. The arrested individuals are facing serious charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and efforts are underway to trace the origin and destination of the illegal drugs.
