Ex-cop denies buy-bust, admits drug use

 CEBU, Philippines - A retired policeman caught in the drug buy-bust operation conducted by the members of the Argao police has denied selling illegal drugs.

Retired policeman Allan Kintanar, however, admitted having in his possession the 32 packs of shabu confiscated by the police.

Kintanar said the illegal drugs seized from his possession during the alleged buy-bust operation last Wednesday in sitio Looc, Barangay Pablacion, Argao were not for sale but for his personal consumption.

He admitted using illegal drugs but said he was never into drug pushing. The P2,700 cash which the police claimed to be his proceeds in the illegal drugs trade was his capital for “mahjong” and illegal cards game “tong-its”.

 Kintanar denied that there was buy-bust operation during his arrest.

“Wala man ko mapaliti nila kay wala man ko namaligya (They have bought nothing from me because I am not selling),” Kintanar said.

Kintanar admitted using illegal drugs even before when he was yet in the active police service.

Argao police chief Alejandro Batobalonos said he understands Kintanar’s claim because he wanted a lighter case of drug possession instead of a non-bailable case of drug pushing.

Batobalonos said Kintanar can use it as his defense in court. The police yesterday filed charges for violations of section 5 and 11 of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act against Kintanar.

Cebu Provincial Police Office chief Patrocinio Comendador said Kintanar has been a target for police operation even when he was yet in the active service. In fact, he was already a subject of the drug raid in 1996 but the operation yielded negative result.  (FREEMAN)