Authorities Arrest Member of Corverq Group in Buy-Bust Operation in Cebu City

In the early hours of Sunday, November 23, 2025, operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG) - Lapu-Lapu City Field Unit successfully apprehended a key suspect in a buy-bust operation conducted at Ybañez Compound, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

The arrested individual was identified as Lyndon Cortes Canrillas, also known as "Mel," 44, a resident of Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City. Authorities seized from Canrillas a .45 caliber Taurus pistol with a magazine loaded with seven rounds, as well as a sachet containing suspected methamphetamine (shabu). Additionally, buy-bust money amounting to PHP 11,000 was recovered and is now in the custody of the PNP Forensic Unit 7.

Investigations by CIDG 7 revealed that Canrillas is a member of the Corverq Group, an organized syndicate responsible for supplying illegal firearms and narcotics. The CIDG had been monitoring Canrillas for an extended period after his name surfaced as a supplier of arms and drugs to the Coplan-Lionfish group.

Following the collection of sufficient intelligence, CIDG launched Oplan Paglalansag Omega and Oplan Salikop, their flagship operations targeting illegal drug and arms trade.

The suspect faces charges for violations of Republic Act 10591, relating to the illegal possession of firearms, and Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.