More drugs seized in Cebu, Toledo cities

CEBU, Philippines - Around P66,800 worth of suspected shabu were seized while an alleged bigtime drug pusher and a suspected illegal drug distributor were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sambag 2, Cebu City early yesterday dawn.

Dandie Jimenez, 45, also known as Edoy, was apprehended by the elements of the City Intelligence Branch after he sold a pack of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer in exchange of P200.

Rey Resohinto, 24, was also arrested after he was about to buy from Jimenez during the operation.

The police recovered from Jimenez a small pack of suspected shabu which is the subject of the buy-bust, another 25 small packs of suspected shabu, one medium-sized pack of suspected shabu, four ampoules of nubaine and P200 marked money.

They also confiscated a syringe and two broken empty ampoules from Resohinto.

City Intelligence Branch chief, Superintendent Romeo Santander, said that Jimenez is considered new in the illegal drug trade. He said Jimenez could only dispose of 10 to 20 grams of shabu every week.

Santander said that they have placed Jimenez under surveillance for a week after they received information that he is engaged in illegal drug activities.

Santander said that they received a list of those who are involved in illegal drug activities in Barangay Sambag 2 from the barangay officials themselves. Jimenez was reportedly included on the list.

He also said that Resohinto is believed to be an illegal drug distributor to pushers and gets a commission out of it.

Jimenez and Resohinto, who are now detained at the Cebu City Police Office lockup cell, will face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Santander commended barangay officials in the area for being active in supporting the police force in maintaining peace and order, especially in the fight against illegal drugs.

Santander cited that they plan to re-launch the Oplan Pakigsandurot after the observation of the Holy Week.   Oplan Pakigsandurot is a community-based crime prevention program that taps policemen living in the barangays to keep an eye on criminal elements.

Meanwhile, a suspected female drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Dike 7th Heaven, Don Juan Climaco Sr., Toledo City Thursday afternoon.

Mercy Gonzales, 43, was apprehended after she handed a small pack of suspected shabu to a police decoy in exchange of P200.

Emilio Torres, 27, and Gabriel Gonzales, 24, were also arrested by the elements of Toledo Police Stationa after they attempted to run and escape during the operation.

The police recovered one large pack of suspected shabu and 30 small packs of suspected shabu from Mercy.

They also seized a large pack of suspected shabu, one medium-sized pack of suspected shabu and 20 small packs of suspected shabu from Torres.

The police also confiscated a large pack of suspected shabu, a medium pack of suspected shabu and seven small packs of suspected shabu from Gabriel.

The three suspects are currently detained at Toledo Police Station. — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/LPM (FREEMAN)