P700T worth of ‘shabu’ hauled from ex-inmate

CEBU, Philippines – Police confiscated around P700,000 worth of suspected shabu from three suspects, including a government employee, in a Lapu-Lapu City drug bust yesterday dawn.

Those arrested were identified as Salvador Monterola, 25, the subject of the operation; Ronnie Espina, 25; and Junichi Igot, 23.

Police Senior Inspector Vernino Noserale, chief of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office City Intelligence Branch, said that based on initial information they received, Igot works at the city's Public Attorney's Office, although he could not yet verify whether the latter is a job order or a casual employee there.

The operation, carried out at around 1:20 a.m. in Sangi Road, Barangay Pajo, actually targeted Monterola, who has been reported to be involved in illegal drug trade in the area. The police were armed with a search warrant against Monterola issued by Judge Toribio Quiwag.

Monterola had been arrested for the same office once but was able to post bail. Espina allegedly serves as his "runner."

After three weeks of surveillance, the police came up with the plan to trap Monterola in a buy-bust using P6,000 in boodle money.

Authorities seized from him 10 medium packs of suspected shabu, a sling bag, alleged proceeds worth P2,000, and a .357 caliber pistol with six live ammos.

"Limited ang tawo sa balay (ni Monterola). Ang modes of transaction niya kay sulod sa balay, then i-sarado na niya ang iyahang steel gate (Monterola's house has a limited access. He closes the steel gate and sells drugs from the inside)," Noserale said.

Police reportedly found closed-circuit television cameras installed in the vicinity of Monterola's well-lighted house.

Meanwhile, the police also confiscated five small sachets of suspected shabu, plastic containers and drug paraphernalia from Espina and Igot. The two were both caught allegedly sniffing drugs inside the house.

Police also picked up Espina's Honda XRM motorcycle.

The suspects are now detained in an LCPO holding cell and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.