2 "big time" drug pushers arrested

CEBU, Philippines - Two suspected drug pushers were arrested by the operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch during a separate buy-bust operations in Danao City yesterday dawn.

The police identified the suspects as Mark Gil “Mac-Mac” Togonon, 29, resident of Lapu-Lapu St., Barangay Poblacion, Danao City and Victor Formentera Luchavez, 31, resident of Montealegre, San Francisco, Camotes.

Togonon was caught in the act of selling a pack of shabu to an undercover police officer. Seized from him was the P100 buy-bust money and two packs of shabu amounting to P60,000.

The police also confiscated from him several drug sniffing paraphernalia and a Suzuki motorcycle.

Police Senior Inspector Mark Gifter Sucalit said that Togonon is a known big time pusher in Danao City. In fact, he is allegedly capable of selling P3 million worth of illegal drugs every week.

Prior to Togonon’s arrest, Luchavez was also arrested in Barangay Poblacion. Two packs of shabu were also confiscated from him.

Lutchavez was allegedly bound for Camotes when the police operatives chance upon him.

Criminal complaints for violations of Section 5, 11 and 12 of the Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are being readied against the suspects.

Meanwhile, 346 marijuana plants were uprooted in the upland Barangay Liboron, of Carmen yesterday morning.

The marijuana plants are estimated to have a street value of P69,200. Joint operatives of the Carmen police led by Inspector Edgar Awe and the 78th Infantry Battalion led by 2nd Lieutenant Argie Garin found the plantation but failed to arrest the cultivator. – (FREEMAN)