Bigtime drug peddlers arrested

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected level two drug pusher and his brother were arrested in Sitio Ubangon, Barangay Mangilaw, Asturias town yesterday morning.

Faustino Tagpuno, 47, and his elder brother, Josefine Tagpuno, 49, both residents of the place, are now detained in Asturias Police Station for possession of illegal drugs.

A team headed by Asturias police chief, Insp. Gerard Ace Pelare, together with the members of the Philippine Army served a warrant of arrest against Faustino for the case of carnapping.

Pelare said that when they reached the area yesterday at about 7 a.m., they saw the two brothers talking in front of Faustino’s house.

When they were approaching them to serve the warrant of arrest against Faustino, both suspects allegedly tried to run but the police were able to hold Faustino.

Josefine was able to run few meters away but the police were able to corner and apprehend him.

During a body search, 20 medium sachets of suspected shabu and P1,700 cash were recovered from Faustino while Josefine yielded another 25 small sachets of the same illegal substance and P300 cash.

Pelare said that they never thought that Faustino is also involved in illegal drugs. However, he added that when they checked Faustino’s records, they discovered that he is under the level two category in the drug watchlist.

Police learned that the suspects are getting their shabu supply in Cebu City.

Pelare said that they brought along with them elements of the Philippine Army because they received information that Faustino is dangerous and armed. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB(FREEMAN NEWS)