7 fall in series of drug busts

CEBU, Philippines - Seven persons were arrested while two others remain at large in separate buy-bust operations conducted by the Provincial Intelligence Branch last Wednesday in Consolacion and the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

In the first incident, Armando “Mando” Pepito, of Sitio Sun-ok, Barangay Tayud, Consolacion was the subject of the operation around 3:30 in the afternoon but was able to elude arrest.

Mark Anthony Maquilan, who also bought one small packet of shabu from Pepito, was arrested instead.

The poseur-buyer was able to complete the transaction but before he could signal the operatives, Pepito sensed their presence and escaped.

Authorities only recovered one small packet of shabu which Pepito sold to the poseur-buyer.

Both Pepito and Maquilan will be facing appropriate drug charges.

An hour after, another team of operatives led by IO1 Novemar Pinanonang arrested five persons during a raid at an alleged drug den in Sitio Maharlika, Barangay Sambag 2, Cebu City where Jeffrey Lopido, Gerome Merinda, Alyssa Jane Ababon, John Roger Dinoro, and Jungie Noval were arrested. All are residents of the said place.

The subject of the operation Alfredo “Tatay” Bicada was able to elude arrest.

When poseur-buyer IO1 Alvin Clemente successfully purchased two small packets of shabu in exchange for P400 from Bicada and Lopido, he then gave the signal for the operatives to swoop in and arrest the suspects.

They managed to handcuff Lopido but Bicada resisted arrest and escaped. The four others were also arrested inside the alleged drug den.

When frisked, another small sachet of shabu was found from Lopido’s possession.

Also recovered inside the den were 40 pieces of small packets of shabu and four medium packets of shabu worth P10,000.

A coin purse containing aluminum foil strips, assorted drug paraphernalia, weighing scale, plastic sealer, cellular phone, and P1,000 in different denominations were also seized from the alleged drug den.

Numerous violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs of 2002 are now being prepared against the suspects.

Meanwhile, four hours after, Ronald “Black” Carunungan of Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City was also arrested by the operatives.

Confiscated from him were two small packets of shabu. Operatives are also preparing the drug charges against Carunungan.

All arrested persons are now detained at the PDEA stockade. — (FREEMAN)