Drug bust in Lapu nets ex-Army agent

CEBU, Philippines - An ex-military confidential agent, now considered as level three drug pusher, was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the police yesterday morning in Sitio Malingin, Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.

Operatives from the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Group-7 headed the drug bust.

Tereso "Boy Agta" Daño, 33, was apprehended around 7 a.m. inside his house after he sold a medium-sized transparent plastic pack containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu to the police who acted as poseur buyer. 

Senior Police Officer 4 Honorato Tano of RAIDSOTG-7 said they have placed the subject under surveillance for over a week after receiving information about his illegal activities.

He cited that Daño formerly worked in the Military Intelligence Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Recovered from the suspect were four medium-size packs of suspected shabu worth P25,000 each and P400 cash believed to be his proceeds. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of P100,000.

Daño said he was lured into the illegal trade since his parents are already too old to work while his children are still young. He resorted to selling illegal drugs for higher source of income to support his family's needs.

He added that he has been selling illegal drugs to his clients in Bohol for already a year. He said he gets his supplies of illegal drugs in Mandaue City.

Daño will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 also known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. — (FREEMAN)