Three "pushers" fall in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - Three suspected drug pushers were arrested in separate drug operations conducted by the Provincial Intelligence Branch and the Liloan police station.

The suspects Dante Halang of Santa Catalina Subdivision, Yati Liloan; Leandro Delfin Quiamco and Eman Cañada both of Asturias town were charged yesterday before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

Halang was arrested yesterday morning at his residence during a raid conducted by the Liloan police operatives based on a search warrant issued by the court.

The police seized P30,000 worth of shabu and a caliber .45 pistol from Halang. He however denied owning the illegal drugs and the pistol.

SPO4 Alex Pepito, intelligence chief of Liloan police, said they were implementing the search warrant issued by RTC Judge Marilyn Lagura-Yap in Mandaue City against Halang for violation of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act when they saw the firearm in plain view.

Halang also has a pending warrant of arrest for frustrated murder. He was recently released from the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center following the dismissal of his drug case in September.

Halang is facing criminal charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and illegal possession of firearms.

Meanwhile, PIB operatives arrested Quiamco and Cañada during a buy-bust operation in Poblacion, Asturias last Friday.

The police confiscated seven assorted packets of shabu, P100 bill, two caliber .38 revolvers, a red motorcycle, four cellular phones and assorted drug paraphernalia.

The suspects have been placed under surveillance following reports that they are engaged in illegal activities.  (FREEMAN)