Couple nabbed for P52T shabu

CEBU, Philippines - An elderly couple were arrested after they were confiscated with over P50,000 worth of suspected shabu during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Media Once, Toledo City early morning yesterday.

Marcelo Traya, also known as Seyo, and  his wife Delia, both 60, were apprehended by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Ruben Altobar of the Regional Trial Court Branch 29 in Toledo City last October 29.

The police recovered three medium-sized packs and three small packs of suspected shabu and P820 cash believed to be their proceeds.

Senior Police Officer 3 Basiliso Balicoco of Toledo City Police Station said they placed the couple under surveillance after receiving information about their illegal activities.

The suspects are now detained and will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency has released the recent list of barangays seriously affected by drugs.

In Cebu City, 13 barangays were identified namely Mabolo, Kamputhaw, Lorega, T. Padilla, Kamagayan, Calamba, Labangon, San Nicolas, Duljo-Fatima, Sawang Calero, Suba, Ermita, and Mambaling.

Police Regional Office-7 director Prudencio Bañas said he has not yet received the list but promised to look into it once it reaches his office.

“I will look into it on how they came to such decision and make our own recommendations if needed,” he said.

Bañas said he will also discuss the matter with their intelligence officers and station commanders supervising the barangays that are included in the list.

The PRO-7 director disclosed that they have received many reports on use and trafficking of illegal drugs in barangays Pasil and Pulangbato.

He said he will also consult with the respective barangay anti-drug abuse councils before coming up with recommendations.

When Bañas took oath as the new PRO-7 director last June, he vowed to intensify their aim to curb the illegal drug operations in the region. — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento and Raymond Abarcas/NSA (FREEMAN)