Former cop arrested for ‘illegal drug trade’

CEBU, Philippines - A former police officer and suspected drug pusher was arrested past 9 a.m. on Sunday in Barangay Looc Norte, Asturias town and yielded at least P70,000 worth of drugs.

Virgilio Jesus Quiachon, was arrested by the police after they implemented a search warrant yesterday morning.

Senior Inspector Narciso Abapo, Asturias Police Station chief, said that the arrest of Quiachon was a result of a three-week surveillance operation which confirmed that he was selling drugs.

Abapo said they then applied for a search warrant and was issued by Judge Hermes Montero of Regional Trial Court Branch 59 in Toledo City.

Past 9 a.m. yesterday, Abapo and some of the station’s operatives implemented the search warrant at Quiachon’s house.

Quiachon was caught off-guard and was arrested by the police immediately. The police confiscated four medium packs and 24 small packs of suspected shabu and several drug paraphernalia from the suspect’s room.

Abapo said Quiachon may have been using his room as a drug den because of the presence of drug paraphernalia.

Abapo added that before the operation was implemented, he noticed at least two persons coming out from Quiachon’s house, whom Abapo believes were customers of the suspect.

Quiachon is included in their priority list, said Abapo, and is considered as a level three drug pusher who could dispose at least 50 grams of suspected shabu a week.

During the initial interview with the police, Abapo said Quiachon told him that he got his supply from “Munti” or Muntinlupa City but refuses to disclose the identity of his supplier.

Abapo said Quiachon was a former member of the Philippine National Police but was dropped from the rolls for his involvement in illegal drugs.

Quiachon will be charged for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.  (FREEMAN)