Drug den operator falls in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - Operatives of the City Intelligence Branch arrested an alleged operator of a drug den and confiscated illegal drugs worth P730,000 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Quiot, Cebu City last Tuesday night.

The main subject of the operation, Teodoro “Ode” Pepino, eluded arrest.

Inspector Gomersendo Mandawe, CID deputy chief, said Pepino was placed under surveillance for two weeks prior to the operation.

Past 8 p.m. last Monday, a poseur-buyer bought a small pack of suspected shabu worth P200 from Pepino and after the transaction was consummated, they immediately barged into the house owned by the alleged den operator, Geyner “Jojo” Gonzales.

However, when they searched the room Pepino occupied, he was no longer there. Packs of shabu worth P730,000 that Pepino was supposed to repack were left behind.  

Mandawe said they arrested Gonzales after they confirmed he was maintaining and operating the drug den.

While the operation was ongoing, at least 14 buyers reportedly came and were held by the police so they could be educated on the ill effects of using illegal drugs, Mandawe said.

Mandawe said it was Gonzales’ neighbors who reported and complained about his illegal activities after they observed that more and more people were frequented the area.

Mandawe said Pepino was convicted of the same offense and even served jail time at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.

He believes that Pepino gets his supply from one of his acquaintances in Bilibid.  — (FREEMAN)