Cuenco commends Pe, cops over arrest of ecstasy dealer

Cebu City south district Rep. Antonio Cuenco has commended two officials and seven members of the Cebu City Police Office, and Councilor Agustus Pe for the recent arrest of a suspected ecstasy pill supplier.

Cuenco gave a plaque of appreciation to CCPO deputy director Pablo Labra, commander of the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force, Sr. Insp. George Ylanan, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch, and Pe for the successful operation.

He also handed a plaque to SPO1 Filomeno Mendaros, PO3 Cesar Pandong, PO2 Hilario Coderos, PO1 Albert Luardo, PO1 Carlo Roy Veloso, PO1 Benigno Andrew Ilagan and PO1 Ruben Quita.

Earlier, Mon Angelo “DJ Mon” Kongmon, 23, was arrested during a buy-bust operation and police seized from his car at least 48 ecstasy pills known also as “happy pill.”

Ylanan said ecstasy is considered as “high-end” drug because only the rich could afford it. A pill is pegged at P1,000 to P1,500, depending on the brand.

Ecstasy is considered a dangerous drug as it has amphetamine, chemical component that can be found in shabu. It also has methylenedioxymethamphetamine, which is considered as a dangerous chemical.

Cuenco, the principal author of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, urged the police to continue going after drug pushers and druglords in the city.

He admitted that the problem on drugs has become a headache to the community and there should be no let up in the campaign to eradicate them.

The lawmaker also mentioned some barangays in the city that are greatly affected by drugs. He said these barangays are Pasil, Calamba and Ermita.

Cuenco also said over P600 million has been approved by Congress for anti-illegal drugs campaign in the country.

Pe, the chairman of the City Anti-Drug Abuse Council, said Kongmon’s arrest would serve as warning to those who are planning to engage in illegal drugs trade.

He added that there will be tight monitoring against any illegal drugs activity in the city.

Ylanan said the successful arrest of Kongmon could be attributed to the support from the local government unit. He said the city government and Cuenco have been generous in providing logistics during their anti-drugs operations.

Two years ago, the city police arrested Richard Lo, who was also a suspected ecstasy supplier in the city. — Edwin Ian Melecio/LPM