Court indicts couple for drug possession

CEBU, Philippines - A couple is facing charges before the court for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Prosecutor III Ernesto Narido, Jr. indicted Harley and Josephine Jacaban, residents of Sitio Upper Camparang, Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City.  

Harley, 29, was charged for violation of Sections 5 (illegal selling of shabu) and 11 (illegal possession of shabu) of Article II of Republic Act 9165.

Narido recommended no bail for both cases filed against Harley.

On January 20, the police recovered from the possession of Harley 16 transparent plastic sachets of shabu weighing 38.35 grams.

The police also recovered 1.27 grams of shabu from Josephine, 29.

Narido recommended P200,000 bail for Josephine’s temporary liberty.

The operatives of Regional Intelligence Division, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, conducted a buy-bust operation against Harley on January 20. Harley was placed under two-week surveillance.

Two police officers, together with the informant, proceeded to the house of Harley to buy shabu.

After the transaction, the police identified themselves as police officers.

However, before they could arrest Harley, he pushed the police and ran away. Harley was eventually arrested, as well as his wife.

“We, PO1 Estrera and PO1 Bag-ao was able to subdue Harley who accidentally slipped on the road during the chase, and I PO1 Estrera arrested him for a violation of Section 5, Article II of RA 9165 and informed him of his constitutional rights and anti torture doctrine and handcuffed him,” the affidavit reads.

Inventories of the evidences were conducted in the presence of the accused, media, and barangay officials.

Meanwhile, Josephine was released from detention after she posted the recommended bail on Friday.

The couple has two children aged 6 and 9.  (FREEMAN)