Police pounce on family of drug dealers

CEBU, Philippines - A family allegedly engaged in drug peddling business was collared by police in a buy-bust operation last Monday at Sitio Tres de Mayo, Barangay Poblacion Ward 4, Minglanilla town.

Authorities identified the suspects as Michael Secuya, 23; his mother Jocelyn, 52; brother-in-law Te-resito Bingcolado, 31; and relative Jaylord Silva, 27.

Chief Inspector Franco Oriol, chief of Minglanilla Police Station, said the subject of the buy-bust operation conducted Monday evening was Michael.

Michael and a poseur-buyer transacted inside a shanty adjacent to the house of the family.

When the transaction was consummated, backup policemen barged inside and arrested Michael.

Police also caught Michael’s mother and the two other family members who were reportedly about to divide shabu for repacking.

Seized were nine sachets and four big packs of shabu weighing 20.36 grams and amounting to at least P240,000. Police also recovered P700 cash and drug paraphernalia.

Oriol said Michael is considered a Level 3 drug pusher who can dispose of 50 to 200 grams of shabu in a week.

The suspect was placed under surveillance since last year after police received information of his involvement in illegal drug trade, which was allegedly started by the mother, according to Oriol.

“Ang inahan g’yud ni Michael mao’y nagsugod pagnegosyo ini unya iya dayong gitudloan ang iyang mga anak,” Oriol said.

He further said Michael’s sister is also involved in the drug business but was not around during the operation.

Police are still waiting for the result of the examination on the illegal drugs seized for them to formally file cases against the suspects. — (FREEMAN)