Authorities in Cebu City have successfully apprehended a high-value drug target in a meticulously planned buy-bust operation, confiscating a substantial volume of suspected shabu valued at nearly eight hundred thousand pesos.
Major Drug Bust in Sityo Colo
The operation was conducted by law enforcement agents at 6:55 in the evening on Friday, December 26, 2025. The target location was Sityo Colo within Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City. The apprehended individual is Romeo Abiso Gaviola, a 56-year-old married man who resides in the same area.
During the arrest, operatives recovered several plastic sachets containing what is believed to be shabu. The illicit drugs had an estimated total weight of 115 grams. The street value of the confiscated substance is placed at P782,000. The buy-bust money used in the undercover operation was also successfully retrieved as evidence.
Monitored Ahead of Holiday Season
According to the investigation led by the Inayawan Police Station, Gaviola had already been placed under surveillance by their Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET). This monitoring began after the police station received credible information linking the suspect to the active sale of shabu in the community.
After gathering sufficient intelligence, the police force, in close coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region 7, launched the decisive buy-bust operation which led to the suspect's capture. Police officials indicated that the suspect was found in possession of a large supply of shabu, which was likely stockpiled to meet the anticipated increase in demand during the Christmas revelries and the upcoming New Year celebrations.
Ongoing Investigation and Charges
The successful operation has yielded further leads for the police. Gaviola has reportedly divulged information regarding the source of his illegal drugs. This source has now become the primary target for the next phase of operations conducted by the Inayawan Police Station.
Authorities are now preparing the appropriate criminal charges against Romeo Abiso Gaviola. The case will be filed for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The suspect remains in custody as the legal proceedings move forward.
