8 family members nabbed for illegal drugs

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agen-cy (PDEA) busted a drug syndicate in Siquijor province with the arrest of eight family members over the weekend.

PDEA Director Dionisio Santiago identified the eight suspects as spouses Mansueto and Melinda Perewperew, spouses Atty. Rex Perew­perew and Emel Perewperew, and Pedro, Elva, Glor and Stella, all surnamed Perew­perew.

“This group is reputed to be untouchable due to its clout with local government officials and relatives from the local police,” Santiago said.

“They openly sold shabu in their residence and even traded drugs in exchange for valuables like mobile phones, jewelries and even motorcycles,” he added.

Elements of the PDEA-Central Visayas confiscated decks of shabu, cash believed to be the proceeds of their illegal drug trade, assorted pieces of jewelry, firearms and ammunition during the raid.

Santiago said the operation was conducted on the strength of four search warrants issued by Judge Ramon Codilla of the Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 19.