Toledo City cops nab 34 inside “drug den”

CEBU, Philippines- Thirty-four persons, including an alleged drug den operator and a minor drug user, were arrested after a tipster informed authorities of a drug-sniffing session in Sitio Maraat Dako, Barangay Matab-ang, Toledo City yesterday.

PO3 Carlos Barluado, Toledo City Police Station desk officer, said they have received a telephone call on several persons allegedly buying and sniffing shabu inside a suspected drug den maintained by Bern Tago Carillo, 34, a native of Tubigon, Bohol, in Maraat.

The station’s alert team, personnel on duty, and the city’s Special Weapons and Tactics team responded to the tip and collared all 34 suspects.

The responding policemen cordoned off the area around 1 a.m. and cornered Carillo; Joeliver Sabido Ypon, 32; Vincent Sabanal, 23; Romnick Cañete, 26; Albert Cañete, 23; Jonel Capangpangan, 19, Reneboy Cañete, 22; Geoffrey Bacho, 21, Lyn Darren Piayo; Mario Degracia, 22; Jeddalou Paradero, 29; Prince Gabrilo, 26; Milo Mañego Jr., 25; Asil Kim Montañes, 22; Joseph Simbajon, 28; Rodello Laspoña, 35; Gino Cabigas, 23; Cardie Duran, 23.

Jason Piloto, 21; Jurito Ewayan, 23; Bliss Grace Tolero, 23; Ricky Santino, 18; Janrey Frasco, 24, Manuel Dumdum, 35; Wendell Dela Torre, 30; Richard Yray, 36, Rolando Elloran, 26; Virgillo Along Jr., 24; Tom Cruz Ralota, 26; Jason Mascas, 20; Bernard Maglasang, 29; Julito Senarlo, 24; Reynaldo Antido, 34; and the minor.

Though the police did no longer found traces of shabu during the operation, they confiscated illegal drugs paraphernalia inside the alleged drug den.

Carillo’s patrons allegedly come all the way from Danao City in the north, and from Aloguinsan town all the way to Toledo City, and from the neighboring towns of Balamban, Asturias and Tuburan, and from Tabuelan.

The operation was perfectly carried out the arrested persons were caught by surprised no one managed to flee or attempted to resist.

All suspects are currently detained at the Toledo City Police Station stockade except for the minor, who was turned to the custody of the City Social Welfare Services for determination of whether or not he was aware of his crime.

The arrested persons will be charged today for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.  (FREEMAN)