CEBU, Philippines - An estimated one kilogram of dried marijuana leaves was confiscated from a suspected drug peddler during a checkpoint in Barangay Sinsin, Cebu City last Thursday afternoon.
The suspect was identified as Jerome Patalinghug Hermosilla, 28, a resident of Sitio Isla Verde, Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City.
A report by the Cebu City Mobile Group (CCMG) said that the barangay captain of Sudlon II, Dante Tabucal, and his barangay tanods conducted a checkpoint after receiving reliable information from a concerned citizen that the suspect was bringing with him the illegal drugs.
They immediately set up the checkpoint and spotted the suspect on a motorcycle, driving towards them. But upon seeing the barangay officials, instead of stopping, the suspect reportedly sped off and ignored the checkpoint.
The barangay officials then boarded their service vehicle and gave Hermosilla a chase until they reached Barangay Sinsin.
During the chase, the suspect allegedly slipped from the motorcycle while trying to increase his speed, hence to his arrest.
The one kilogram marijuana leaves was recovered in a box placed inside the suspect’s backpack.
The arresting officers turned over Hermosilla to CCMG where he is now detained while a charge for possession of illegal drugs is being prepared against him. — THE FREEMAN