No bail for alleged bigtime drug peddler

CEBU, Philippines - Alleged big-time drug personality Samuel Alcontin will stay in jail after prosecutors did not recommend bail for his temporary liberty.

He was arrested in Barangay Labangon last July 17 for selling shabu worth almost P4 million to a poseur buyer.

His case was elevated to court after he waived his right to answer the charges at the prosecutor’s level.

Prosecutor III Rhodna Bacatan charged Alcontin for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The buy-bust operation was carried out by Criminal Investigation Bureau operatives in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 and with the Punta Princesa Police Station.

The police seized 13 large packs of shabu with an estimated total value of P3.9 million from a metal vault in Alcontin’s house.

CIB chief, Supt. Romeo Santander, said earlier Alcontin is considered a Level 1 drug pusher or a supplier who can sell illegal drugs in large amounts. He said Alcontin worked as an underling of a big-time drug lord who is also in the police watch list.

Alcontin was placed under surveillance after the police received information about his illegal activities.

While he admitted he is a drug user, Alcontin denied he owned the shabu confiscated from him and claimed a certain “Dolpo” left the illegal drugs with him.

Alcontin is currently detained at the Cebu City Jail. — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/JMO (FREEMAN)