Senior Citizen Arrested in Cebu City, Prefers Shabu to Husband
A 61-year-old seamstress, known as Lola Sarah, was apprehended by police in Cebu City on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at around 2:30 PM in Sityo Little Baguio, Barangay Cogon Pardo. During her arrest, authorities seized three small packets of suspected shabu from her possession.
Shabu as Daily Energizer and Health Remedy
In an interview with Sunstar Superbalita Cebu, Lola Sarah made a shocking confession: she would rather leave her husband than give up her shabu habit. She explained that she uses the illegal drug twice daily to boost her energy and productivity as a seamstress.
"Mas mabiyaan pa ang bana kay sa bisyo suyop (shabu) kay lami kaayo! Energizer nako ni makondisyon ko kada adlaw sa pagpanahi," she stated, emphasizing her reliance on the substance.
According to Lola Sarah, she consumes one packet in the morning before starting her sewing work and another in the evening as a follow-up to maintain her condition. She claims that when she uses shabu, her sewing skills improve dramatically, allowing her to complete numerous garments each day. Conversely, without it, she feels weak, produces poor-quality work, and finishes very little.
Long-Standing Addiction and Health Claims
The suspect admitted to starting her shabu use at the age of 16, a habit her husband was aware of. Over time, their disagreements over her addiction led to their separation. Despite the legal and personal consequences, Lola Sarah insists on the drug's benefits for her health.
She alleges that shabu acts as a treatment for her hypertension, claiming it alleviates her high blood pressure. Additionally, she says it helps with other ailments, such as stomach pain and discomfort in various parts of her body.
Police Operation and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest was conducted by personnel from the Inayawan Police Station as part of an Anti-Illegal Operation in the area. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the case, which highlights the persistent issue of drug abuse in the community.
This incident underscores the complex challenges faced by law enforcement and health officials in addressing addiction, particularly among older individuals who may use substances for perceived medicinal purposes.
