2 arrested in separate anti-drug operations

CEBU, Philippines - A 41-year-old suspected drug pusher was arrested by the police in Barangay San Roque, Cebu City past midnight on Wednesday.

Roberto Decoro, 41, was arrested by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Wilfredo Navarro of the Regional Trial Court Branch 19 in Cebu City.

Police officers were able to recover 45 small packs of suspected shabu inside Decoro’s residence.

Decoro was placed under surveillance for three weeks, said Senior Inspector Wayne Magbanua, Waterfront Police Station chief, who added that according to their assets, Decoro is a big-time drug pusher.

“Sa evidence nga nakuha ginagmay. Sa info namo, ganinang buntag nagbahig ni according sa asset dinagko ni,” he said.

Magbanua said that the suspect is a level-three drug pusher who can dispose of at least 60 grams of shabu each month.

However, Decoro denied that he is a big-time drug pusher and said that he is just new to the trade and has only been selling drugs for six months.

Meanwhile, a woman was arrested by Regional Anti Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group operatives in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Pahina San Nicolas Wednesday morning.

Josefina “Sipin” Patiño, was arrested after she handed over a suspected pack of shabu worth P500 to a poseur-buyer.

The police recovered the P500 buy-bust money and P1,700 believed to be proceeds from the illegal drug trade. Other items recovered from Patiño were nine small packs and three medium-sized packs of suspected shabu worth P236,000.

She was brought to the regional headquarters and will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.   (FREEMAN)