3 fall in drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested three men and confiscated more than P170,000 worth of suspected shabu in a buy-bust operation in Purok Gusa, Sitio Humay-Humay, Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday.

Geve Lahoy-Lahoy, 25, was arrested inside his house around 8:50 p.m., said Police Senior Inspector Mark Gifter Sucalit, City Intelligence Branch Chief of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.

Also arrested were Maximo Tampus, 34, a resident of Sitio Tugas, Barangay Gun-ob, and Rochel Tampus, 31, from M. Velez Street in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.

Sucalit clarified that Rochel and Maximo, though having the same family name, are not blood-related nor a couple. Both were partners in drug peddling, he said.

At least 21 small sachets and a medium pack of suspected shabu were confiscated from Lahoy-Lahoy. The marked money of P200 was also recovered from him.

Lahoy-Lahoy also yielded P800 cash which was alleged to be proceeds of his illegal drug trade.

Another 13 small packs of shabu were taken from Maximo’s custody while a small sachet with the same content was seized from Rochel.

Sucalit said in total, the confiscated drugs had an estimated value of P173,224.

Police swooped down on the three suspects that evening after one of the police decoys transacted with them.

The operation was led by Police Senior Inspector Judith Besas, who coordinated with the elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7.

The three suspects are now detained at the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office and are set to face charges under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.  (FREEMAN)