Police operatives in Central Visayas have apprehended a suspected high-value drug personality and confiscated a substantial volume of shabu with an estimated street value of over seven million pesos during a buy-bust operation in Bogo City, Cebu.
Major Drug Bust Nets High-Value Target
The operation was conducted by the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operation Unit (PNP DEG-SOU) 7. It took place at around 12:06 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Sityo San Vicente, Purok 2, Barangay San Pedro, Bogo City.
The primary suspect was identified as Edcel Rafols Flores, alias "Ed," 34 years old, a resident of the area and reportedly a swertres collector. Authorities tagged Flores as a high-value individual in the local drug trade. During the operation, his alleged cohort, identified as Stevenson Hatamosa, managed to evade capture and remains at large.
Massive Drug Haul and Coordinated Effort
Following the successful entrapment, operatives recovered several large packs of the suspected illegal substance. The seized drugs, believed to be shabu, had a total weight of approximately 1,117 grams.
Based on the standard drug price set by authorities, the confiscated narcotics carry a staggering estimated value of P7,595,000.
The buy-bust was a result of meticulous planning and inter-agency cooperation. The PNP DEG-SOU 7 initially received intelligence regarding the suspect's alleged drug peddling activities, which prompted a thorough monitoring phase.
After confirming the information, the operation was launched in coordination with several key agencies:
- Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 (PDEA 7)
- Regional Intelligence Unit 7
- Bogo City Police Station
- Integrity Monitoring Enforcement Group 7
Ongoing Manhunt and Case Build-Up
The successful apprehension of Flores and the seizure of the multi-million peso drug cache mark a significant blow to illegal drug operations in northern Cebu. Police have placed the recovered evidence under proper documentation and chain of custody procedures.
Authorities are now focusing their efforts on locating and arresting the fugitive, Stevenson Hatamosa. Meanwhile, cases for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared for filing against the arrested suspect, Edcel Rafols Flores.
This operation underscores the continued vigilance and collaborative efforts of Philippine law enforcement agencies in combating the proliferation of illegal drugs in the region.
