Man nabbed for shabu indicted

CEBU, Philippines - The Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor indicted a 45-year-old man who was arrested for illegal drug sale and possession.

Associate Prosecution Attorney Jennifer Karen Alo-Leyson held Fernando Miñoza for trial after finding probable cause against him for violation of sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 2002.

Miñoza was apprehended by the elements of San Nicolas Police Station in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City.

The police subjected Miñoza under surveillance after receiving a report that he was reportedly involved in illegal drugs in the area.

At around 6:30 p.m. on August 20, they conducted the buy-bust operation.

Upon arriving in the area, the poseur-buyer and the informant went towards Miñoza who was standing outside his house.

The suspect reportedly approached them and asked what they want.

When the police decoy told him he wanted to buy a pack of shabu, Miñoza pulled out a small yellow plastic container containing shabu from his left front pocket.

When Miñoza handed a pack of shabu to the poseur-buyer, the latter gave the pre-arranged signal to the other policemen posted nearby.

However, Miñoza saw the team of policemen approaching them and immediately ran inside his house.

The police chased the suspect and arrested him in the living room. Upon body search, he yielded 28 packs of shabu, the P200 buy bust money and P1,300 cash. All the illegal drugs seized from the suspect weighed 2.35 grams.

The police also arrested three persons – Jerry Patrocino, 42; Francis Cabarubias, 27; and Melba Maglinte, 24 – who were caught sniffing shabu inside Miñoza’s house.

They are also facing charges for possession of drug paraphernalia.

During the inquest proceedings, Miñoza opted not to submit a counter-affidavit to answer the allegations against him.

Leyson then recommended elevating Miñoza’s case to the Regional Trial Court for trial. —/NSA (FREEMAN)