Drugs worth over P10 million seized, 3 suspects nabbed

CEBU, Philippines —  Police seized over P10 million worth of illegal drugs during a buy-bust operation Thursday evening in Sitio Gochan, Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City resulting in the arrest of three suspects.

Police Major Francis Renz Talosig, station commander of Sawang Calero Police Station, identified the suspects as Elynjob Bangga Nacario alias "Talolong", a newly identified high value individual and a resident of the said place; Ramil Abellanosa Uy, a resident of Sitio Avocado, Barangay Mambaling; and Benjie Sanchez Atillo, also a resident of Sitio Avocado, Mambaling, Cebu City.

Talosig said that operatives of drugs enforcement unit set up a drag net against Nacario after receiving information two weeks ago from a confidential informant about his illegal activities.

Anti-drug operatives seized from Nacario and his cohorts 14 large plastic packs of shabu; three medium packs each weighing 25 grams; and four small packs at 5 grams each.

Police also recovered a wad of paper with two P500 bills on top which the undercover operatives used as buy-bust money. Talosig said estimated the total drugs seized from the suspects to be worth at least P10.2 million.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) director Police Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog said Nacario was also arrested in 2020 because of illegal drugs. He is currently out on bail.

Nacario claimed to have sourced his drug supply from his brother-in-law, Alfiel Tiu, who is currently imprisoned at the Cebu City Jail. His areas of operations include Barangay Pahina Central, Mambaling, and nearby barangays.

The three suspects will face charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Meanwhile, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa admitted that illegal drugs have become rampant again after former president Rodrigo Duterte left Malacañang. The former chief PNP hopes that what they have started will not go to waste under the present administration.

“Problema natin sa droga ngayon, dahan-dahan ng bumabalik…mga drug lord nuon na nagsipaglayasan, yung buhay na nakalayas, bumalik na naman ngayong wala na si president Digong…at nandiyan na naman sila, nagsisimula na naman sa kanilang negosyo…at very bold…very bold,” Dela Rosa said during the opening of the 2023 National Fire Olympics at the South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City.

Dela Rosa, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, said he does not want to compare but he hopes what the previous administration had started will be sustained.

“Sana ay hindi masayang ang ating pinaghirapan nuon,” dela Rosa said.

He claimed that fighting drugs is his personal advocacy for the future generation.

“As I’ve said, wala akong pakialam kung san hahantong yung adbokasiya ko laban sa druga, kahit bitayin ako ng ICC wala akong pakialam, basta ang alam ko ginagawa ko ito hindi pang personal, pero para sa ating mga kabataan, para sa ating mga anak, mga apo…na sana hindi sila makatikim ng problema sa droga,” dela Rosa said.  — Caecent No-ot Magsumbol, FPL (FREEMAN)