Hev Abi Arrested in Quezon City for Gun and Drug Charges

Filipino rapper Hev Abi was arrested on April 14, 2026, in Quezon City. Police found a gun, suspected cocaine, and marijuana. This led to his scheduled performance being cancelled.
By Newsroom | Crime, Philippines |

Police Seize Firearm, Suspected Cocaine, Marijuana in Operation

Quezon City, Philippines - Filipino rapper Hev Abi, whose legal name is Gabriel Abilla, was arrested in the early morning of April 14, 2026, during a police operation in Barangay Laging Handa, Diliman. The arrest was conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under a search warrant related to alleged violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Who Is Hev Abi? Asian Rapper Linked to Gun and Drug Allegations as He Denies Arrest Claims - 1

Authorities reported the confiscation of a 9mm pistol, a magazine with live ammunition, 11 cartridges suspected to contain liquid marijuana, four sealed plastic bags containing suspected cocaine, and drug paraphernalia with suspected marijuana. Hev Abi, along with six other individuals, was taken into custody. Police stated that the operation stemmed from information regarding the presence of firearms.

Who Is Hev Abi? Asian Rapper Linked to Gun and Drug Allegations as He Denies Arrest Claims - 2

Rapper's Camp Denies Allegations, Cites "Misunderstanding"

Hev Abi's label, Urban Department PH, has issued statements vehemently denying all allegations. They characterized the incident as a "misunderstanding" and stated that their legal counsel is actively coordinating with authorities to resolve the matter. The label has categorically rejected claims of illegal firearm and drug possession against the artist.

Read More: Perth Train Teen Restraint Video Sparks Investigation Calls

Who Is Hev Abi? Asian Rapper Linked to Gun and Drug Allegations as He Denies Arrest Claims - 3

Impact on Scheduled Performance

Due to the arrest, Hev Abi was unable to perform his scheduled set at the 'Kalye Tunes: UP Fair Wednesday' event on April 15 at UP Diliman's Sunken Garden.

Who Is Hev Abi? Asian Rapper Linked to Gun and Drug Allegations as He Denies Arrest Claims - 4

Background

Hev Abi, a notable artist in the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene, released his fourth album, "MADUMING TIMOG," in February 2026. His music is known to heavily feature influences from Quezon City. The CIDG has indicated that investigations are ongoing and has not yet released specific details on potential charges beyond the initial violations. Reports from some outlets suggest that drug tests on some of the arrested individuals, including Hev Abi, indicated positive results for illegal substances like methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and marijuana.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was Filipino rapper Hev Abi arrested in Quezon City on April 14, 2026?
Hev Abi, whose real name is Gabriel Abilla, was arrested by police in Barangay Laging Handa, Diliman, under a warrant for alleged illegal firearm and drug possession.
Q: What did police find when they arrested Hev Abi on April 14, 2026?
Authorities reported finding a 9mm pistol, ammunition, suspected cocaine, and drug items with suspected marijuana.
Q: What does Hev Abi's label say about the arrest on April 14, 2026?
His label, Urban Department PH, denies the allegations and calls the incident a 'misunderstanding.' They are working with authorities.
Q: Did Hev Abi perform his scheduled show on April 15, 2026?
No, Hev Abi could not perform his planned set at the 'Kalye Tunes: UP Fair Wednesday' event on April 15, 2026, because of his arrest.
Q: What are the latest updates on Hev Abi's case as of April 17, 2026?
Investigations are ongoing, and while initial charges are for firearm violations, some reports suggest positive drug tests for methamphetamine and marijuana.