Shabu suspect eludes cops during bust

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher eluded arrest during a buy-bust operation conducted by operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch and the Cebu Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City last Monday night.

The subject of the bust, Albert Paculaba Salem, reportedly hurriedly fled on foot to the interior portion of the area when he sensed the presence of the operatives just after the transaction was consummated around 8pm.

Authorities were only able to recover 12 small packets of shabu worth P12,000 placed in a transparent plastic container and one caliber .45 pistol with a magazine loaded with seven bullets.

The illegal drugs were taken to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory-7 at the Camp Sotero Cabahug in Cebu City for chemical analysis.

An operative who requested anonymity said Salem is in the PIB watchlist for being a noted drug pusher in the said barangay.

The operative said their poseur-buyer successfully bought the drugs from Salem and turned over the bust money but Salem reportedly sensed that he was transacting with a policeman.

The bust was made outside an alleged drug den, which is reportedly owned by Salem.

The operatives ran after Salem, but the narrow road in the area proved advantageous to Salem. 

“Samot na pagsuot sa mga kabalayan wala na gyud namo apsi,” the operative said.

The suspect also reportedly had several lookouts who could inform him if operatives were coming.

The operation was carried out after several surveillance. Test buys were also made to confirm Salem’s illegal drug trade.

Salem could dispose about five grams of shabu to worth P175,000 in a week. His area of disposal was only in Barangay Tangke.

Charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are being prepared against Salem. The case against him will be filed within this week. — (FREEMAN)