2 “drug pushers” fall in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - Two suspected drug pushers, including a minor, were arrested by the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calamba last Tuesday.

RAIDSOTG operatives also seized P35,000 worth of illegal drugs and two firearms. Police operatives conducted a buy-bust operation against Richard Botero, 30, at A. Lopez Street last Tuesday evening.

Botero was able to elude arrest but his live-in partner, Reyshel Cuizon, 20, and his 17-year-old brother were arrested.

The police recovered a .22 Black Widow revolver from the minor while a small pack of shabu worth P5,000 was seized from Cuizon.

A medium pack of shabu worth P25,000; a  caliber .45 pistol with seven bullets; one magazine for Cal .45 pistol; two magazines for  9mm pistol believed to be that of Botero were also seized including the P1,600 cash. 

The operatives led by Sr. Insp. Henrix Bancoleta used a wad of papers as buy-bust money. According to the police, Botero received the buy-bust money while his brother handed the medium pack of shabu to the undercover policeman.

As soon as the police operatives collard Cuizon and the minor, Botero immediately escaped by jumping off the window. A brief chase ensued but operatives lost him.

Botero is reportedly an ex-convict. He was released from the New Bilibid Prison last March after serving six years in prison for murder.

The police tagged Botero as level three drug pusher in Barangay Calamba. Criminal complaints for violation of Sections 5, 11 and 12 of RA 9165 or Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against Botero, his brother and his live-in partner. A separate complaint for illegal possession of firearms will also be filed against the Botero brothers.— (FREEMAN)