Ex-brgy councilor arrested in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines — A former councilor of Barangay Sto. Niño, Cebu City was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Bayanihan Village, Barangay Quiot Cebu City Thursday morning, Dec. 7,2023.

Brian Dwight Gaviola, 47 years old, unemployed, and a resident of Barangay Quiot, has reportedly been in the regional target list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 and Philippine National Police (PNP).

During the buy-bust operation, Gaviola yielded five packs of suspected shabu weighing 20 grams worth P136,000, buy-bust money, a cellphone, IDs, motorcycle and cash worth P3,000.

According to the PDEA-7 report, Gaviola was subjected to a one-month case buildup. After monitoring his activities, authorities learned that he could dispose of at least 30 grams per week.

According to PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Alcantara, their intelligence officers received a report that while Gaviola was still a barangay councilor, he was allegedly already involved in illegal drugs. Alcantara said they validated the information until enough evidence was obtained for the case build-up.

The drug evidence obtained from the Gaviola has been submitted to the laboratory for chemical analysis and proper disposition.

He will be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.  – ATO (FREEMAN)