NBI nabs 11 in Lapu-Lapu drug buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - At least 11 people were arrested by the agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas during a buy-bust operation Friday morning in Barangay Humay-humay, Lapu-Lapu City.

The suspects were identified as Zenilyn Taping, 36, Arthur Cartagena, Aldrin Clavero, Edwin Gonzales Jr., Alberto Ramirez Jr., Virgilio Bautista Jr., Zoren Muñez, Rene Amoro, Edgardo Colina, Jeremy Cerenio, and Rodel Tampus, all residents of the said barangay.

The subject of the buy-bust operation, a certain Jun Hera alias Boy, eluded arrest. Lawyer Edgar Baldemos, who headed the operation, said two weeks surveillance was conducted in the in Humay-humay following reports about illegal drug trade.

Based on the surveillance report, Hera is capable of disposing five grams of shabu every week. Although the suspect was able to escape, several packs of shabu as well as drug paraphernalia were confiscated. Some personal belongings of the suspect were also seized by the NBI operatives.

The people arrested during the operation are currently detained at the NBI headquarters pending the filing of appropriate criminal complaints before the prosecutor’s office on Monday.

Meanwhile, the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Force of the Cebu City Police Office has filed criminal complaints on Thursday against Alcher Baynas, 29, a resident of Apas, Cebu City and Don Tan, a resident of Barangay Talamban.

Baynas was charged for violations of Sections 5, 11, and 12, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act and Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition and Regulation Act.

Tan was only charged for illegal possession of drugs paraphernalia.

Baynas and Tan were arrested by CAIDSOTG operatives in possession of 11 large packs and nine big packs of dangerous drugs amounting to P3.5 million, and paraphernalia, respectively.

Baynas was reportedly a big time drug pusher in Barangay Apas who is capable of disposing at least 200 grams to a kilo of shabu every week.  (FREEMAN)