Cops belittle suspect’s claim drugs were planted

The Cebu City Police Office belittled the claim of drug suspect Paulo Calunsag that the P2 million worth of shabu seized from his house along J. Fortich Street, barangay Guadalupe last Wednesday afternoon were all planted.

CCPO director Patrocinio Comendador yesterday said that Calunsag’s accusation is the normal reaction of a drug suspect seeking to discredit his captors.

Comendador reasoned that if the more than half a kilo of shabu seized from Calunsag’s house was indeed planted, it would have cost the police a big amount to purchase the drugs.

“Pure substance gud na, kinsa pa may mo-plant ana bisan man gani ug usa ka bulto lang it would cost a lot siguro P50,000 na”, Comendador said.

He said if the suspect will stand on his allegations it will be better for him to file a complaint in court.

Comendador also said yesterday that they will also go after Calunsag’s possible contacts and his runner.

The suspect has been branded as a Level 1 drug pusher or one who can sell one to two kilos of shabu per week. He is also believed to import his drugs directly from Mindanao.

Meanwhile, police also believe they have neutralized drug operations in barangays Ermita and Pasil for the meantime with the arrest of Calunsag, who is said to be the main distributor of shabu in both areas.

The suspect comes from Ermita but was able to buy a house in Banawa allegedly through the help of an aunt who is abroad.

Supt. Paul Labra, city police deputy city director for operations, who along with CIIB Chief George Ylanan led the operation leading to Calunsag’s arrest last Wednesday, said that in the coming days somebody might replace Calunsag in distributing shabu in Ermita.

“Maayo unta ug kilatan siya (I hope lighting will strike him),” Labra said in reaction to Calunsag’s claims the drugs were planted.

As Calunsag’s arrest is seen as their biggest accomplishment so far this year, the team members who arrested Calunsag are expected to receive the appropriate commendations and awards from higher headquarters.

Cases for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Law and the election gun ban were already filed against Calunsag yesterday.  — Flor Z. Perolina/BRP