Buy-bust nets ‘peddler,’ alleged drug den owner

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug den owner and a drug suspect were arrested by operative in a buy-bust Wednesday night in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City.

Jigger Aro, 28, a resident of Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Pajac, was the main subject of the buy-bust that was carried out at around 9:15 p.m., said Police Chief Inspector Mark Gifter Sucalit, the new head of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office-City Intelligence Branch.

Sucalit said they got the information on Aro’s alleged illegal activities from a concerned citizen who reported to their office.

Twelve small sachets and three medium size of suspected shabu were reportedly seized from Aro. Also confiscated from his possession were a .38 caliber revolver loaded with live ammunition rounds and P400 cash believed to be proceeds from his illegal activity.

Sucalit said the drugs seized from Aro had an estimated worth of P156,000 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board valuation.

Sucalit said Aro has been under police surveillance for one month.

After Aro, police also arrested Mauricio Jumao-as Jr., who according to Sucalit, operates a drug den in form of a small hut in Sitio Mahayahay.

Police confiscated different drug paraphernalia, including an improvised shotgun with four rounds of cartridge shell, from Jumao-as. 

Around 8:40 p.m. last Monday, more than P90,000 worth of illegal drugs was also seized near a fast-food establishment in Sitio Iba, Barangay Basak.

Inspector Alcon Escosura, chief of Marigondon Police Station, said they arrested Lou Amores, 39, who lives in the area and is among the Top 10 drug personalities of their station.

Six small sachets and another three medium packs of suspected shabu, as well as a .45 caliber pistol with five rounds of live ammunition were retrieved from Escosura. 

The P200 marked money in each buy-bust operation was recovered.

The three suspects are now behind bars in LCPO Holding Cell and are facing charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and RA 10591 for illegal possession of firearms.  (FREEMAN)