5 fall in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - Five persons, including two women, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City Wednesday night.

Operatives of the City Intelligence Branch arrested suspects Arnel Magto, 44, the subject of the operation; Mitch Paller, 21; Ruby Tria, 36; Karhl Philip Alix and Vincent Montealto.

Magto was arrested after he was seized with 18 ampoules of nubain and two medium-sized packs of suspected shabu.

CIB operatives also confiscated 74 ampoules of nubain and P4,300 cash from Paller and 22 ampoules of nubain from Tria.

An ampoule of nubain and illegal drug paraphernalia were also recovered from Alix and Montealto.

CIB chief Superintendent Romeo Santander said they conducted the operation after receiving information that peddling of nubain has resumed despite the demolition of houses in Barangay Kamagayan dubbed as a den for prostitution and illegal drugs.

He added that milk shake containing nubain or shabu is even reportedly sold in the area.

“Wala mi magtuo nga naa pa na diha kay nahawan naman nang lugaraha. Barong-barong ra ang ilang murag drug den didto. Dili ka makatuo nga naa diay nagbaligya og drogas sa lugar,” said Santander.

Santander was informed that Magto was forced to sell illegal drugs to pay for his medical treatment since he is suffering from diabetes.

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