5 caught sniffing shabu, arrested

CEBU, Philippines - Five men were arrested after they were seized with some P60,000 worth of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia in an anti-drug operation in Barangay Catarman, Cordova Saturday.

Cordova Police led by Senior Inspector Alexander Nuñez were armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Teresita Galanida of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 56 in Mandaue City when they raided a house in sitio Catarman 1 at 8:30 p.m.

Authorities failed to arrest the subject of the operation, Elizar Baguio, who reportedly left his house a few minutes prior to the arrival of the police. 

 Those arrested were identified as Randy Pacaldo, 35; Ruben Sumalinog, 23; Christopher Rosani, 26, all from Barangay Catarman; and Roger Tantay, 42, and Moron Calubong, 25, both from Lapu-lapu City.

The five men were arrested after they were reportedly caught in the act of sniffing shabu inside Baguio’s house.

Recovered during the operation were a medium-sized pack and 20 small packs of suspected shabu, two pieces medical forceps, a surgical scissor, disposable lighters, tooters, 32 pieces of rolled tin foils, a cellular phone, kerosene lamps, and a notebook with list of remittances.

The illegal drugs are now in the custody of the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory-7 for chemical analysis.

According to the police, Baguio is a street-level drug pusher and his scope of distribution is only in Barangay Catarman with a customer also from Lapu-Lapu City.

Baguio’s house also reportedly serves as a drug den.

The arrested suspects will be charged for violating Section 12 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The continuous anti-drug operations of the Cebu Provincial Police Office since two weeks ago have already yielded P4.9 million worth of illegal drugs, 24 firearms, cash, and drug paraphernalia.   (FREEMAN)