NBI busts drug den; 4 arrested

A former masseur to movie stars has been apprehended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for allegedly operating a drug den in Quezon City.

Three suspected drug users were also nabbed while having a pot session inside the house of Alexander de Leon, alias "Botong," a former masseur who had serviced several known show business personalities.

Deputy Director for Special Investigation Services Victor Bessat said the De Leon was arrested along with Pedro Capisnon, Wilfredo Manuel and Ricardo de la Paz at his house on Ilagan street in Barangay Paltok last Sept. 8.

De Leon has been operating the drug den for the past three years. He claimed his former customers in showbusiness introduced him to shabu.

Regional Director Ruel Lasala, of the NBI-National Capital Region Division and Anti-Illegal Drugs chief said they confiscated from the suspects two heat-sealed plastic sachets shabu weighing 7.5 grams and worth P40,000 as well as drug paraphernalia.

Lasala said the suspect admitted that he mostly caters to clients who live in nearby barangays. His clients number from eight to 12 persons a day.

At first, he was content to simply renting his place for P10 per user, but he soon expanded his business and started selling shabu. He earns between P300-P500 a day.

Business is at its peak between 7 p.m. to midnight, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

The raid was conducted on the strength of a search warrant from Executive Judge Jaime Salazar Jr. of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 103.

Charges of maintenance of a drug den and possession of illegal drugs were filed against De Leon, with the prosecutor recommending no bail.

The three other suspects were charged with the use of dangerous drugs and were required to undergo six months mandatory drug rehabilitation.

"This is part of the government’s effort to dismantle drug dens in the country and this serves as a stern warning to them that the penalty for maintainers of drug dens is a life sentence, regardless of the size of their operation," Lasala said.