Man arrested for drug possession in Dalaguete

CEBU, Philippines - A man was arrested by the personnel of Regional Public Safety Batallion (RPSB)-7 in Barangay Balud, Dalaguete town on Friday for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs.

Edward Mercado, 54, a resident of Barangay Consolacion, Dalaguete was arrested at around 11:20 a.m. during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Balud conducted by RPSB-7 led by Police Senior Inspector Cesar Carlos Alburo, RPSB-7 conducted a checkpoint in Barangay Balud.

While checkpoint was ongoing, a motorcycle driven by a man later identified as Ryan Mercado, and with a certain Edward as passenger tried to avoid the checkpoint and made a u-turn.

Alburo's men saw and immediately blocked the way of Mercado and Edward.

When asked for the motorcycle's registration papers, Mercado failed to present any and also did not have a valid driver's license.

Edward alighted from the motorcycle and attempted to run but RPSB personnel were able to hold him.

A body search was conducted on Edward and RPSB personnel noticed that his right side front pocket was bulging, prompting them to order him to take the contents out.

When they checked, they found a small black plastic container that contained one small plastic sachet of what seemed to be shabu.

Edward has been detained at the Dalaguete Police Station, while Ryan has also been jailed violations on traffic regulations.

Police Regional Office-7 director Noli Taliño earlier said even though the Philippine National Police's anti-illegal drugs operation including its Oplan Tokhang has been suspended, they can still arrest a person in violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act if they will be caught in the act of committing the crime.  (FREEMAN)