Local “shabu tiangge” raid nets 10 in Bulacao

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged "shabu tiangge" was raided by the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 in Barangay Bulacao, Talisay City last Monday evening resulting in the arrest of 10 suspected drug users.

PDEA-7 deputy director Levi Ortiz said the operation also resulted in the recovery of at least 73 packs of shabu worth P21,900 and several drug paraphernalia. PDEA operatives swooped down on a suspected drug den operated by a certain "estoy".

The operator was able to escape but 10 of his customers were caught in the act of sniffing shabu during the operation. The area had been under surveillance for over a week before last Monday's raid.

According to Ortiz, the place is considered a local "shabu market" composed of 10 shanties rented out for drug users at P10 each per entry. During the operation several people inside the "market" were able to escape except for the 10 who were trapped by the PDEA operatives inside three of the shanties.

The police identified the suspects as Alberto Gabuya, Roy Jamero, Arnold Barro, Dionelu Reyes, Roldan Java, Ernesto Oribio, Adjomar Majadugon, Hernan Orbiso, Juniel Pastor, and Kempee Panilagao.

Gabuya, 40, admitted using illegal drugs for 10 years now. He said he resorted to using drugs because his job as a street vendor or jeepney conductor is tiresome.

Barro and Jamero also admitted being drug users but claimed were only watching card games when the PDEA operatives came and arrested them.

Ortiz said charges for using illegal drugs will be filed against the suspects who are now detained at the PDEA 7 detention cell.

Meanwhile, a man was convicted for possession of illegal drugs and was sentenced to suffer the penalty of 14 years imprisonment.

Regional Trial Court Branch 8 Judge Macaundas Hadjirasul has found Dwight Cavan guilty for violating section 22, Article II of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

On top of the jail term, Cavan was also ordered to pay P300,000 fine.

The accused was arrested on October 26, 2011 at about 12:30 a.m. at M. dela Concepcion Street, Barangay Suba, Cebu City.

PO3 Ricafort Sucgang assigned at the Pardo Police Station said that he and other police officers were patrolling at M. dela Concepcion St. when they saw a man holding a transparent plastic sachet believed to be shabu under the lamppost.

Sucgang said he approached the man and arrested him.-- /FPL (FREEMAN)