Authorities seized an estimated P136 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two drug suspects during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Uling, Naga City, Cebu, on May 23, 2026.
Recovered from the suspects were approximately 20 kilograms of suspected shabu packed in vacuum-sealed containers and concealed inside Chinese tea bags.
Authorities also confiscated buy-bust money, several mobile phones, and a vehicle allegedly linked to the suspects.
The arrested individuals are expected to face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police said the seized illegal drugs have an estimated street value of P136 million, making the operation one of the largest drug recoveries reported in Cebu this year.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Dexter Calacar, chief of the Naga City Police Station, said the operation was led by the Cebu Police Provincial Office and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Cebu, with support from various law enforcement units.
According to Calacar, multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated to carry out the operation and secure the evidence recovered from the suspects.
The confiscated drugs were found in vacuum-sealed packs hidden inside Chinese tea bags, a method commonly used to conceal illegal substances during transport.
Police Brigadier General Arnold Evangelista Abad, regional director of Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7), commended the personnel involved in the successful operation.
Abad also cited the strong cooperation among participating agencies in carrying out anti-drug efforts across Central Visayas.
Authorities have not released the identities of the suspects as case preparation and documentation continue.
Investigators are conducting follow-up operations to determine possible links and identify other individuals connected to the illegal drug shipment.
The seized evidence remains in police custody pending laboratory examination and the filing of charges before the appropriate court.
