Bacolod cops catch 13 in raid of 2 drug dens

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines  — Thirteen suspects were arrested by the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group (CAIDSTOG) in simultaneous raids on two suspected drug dens in the city last Thursday.

CAIDSTOG chief, Sr. Insp. Niel Exaltado, said they conducted a buy-bust operation against Juvy Dacumos, 30, of Barangay 2 after they received reports that she was into the illegal drugs trade.

Dacumos was apprehended after she handed a small sachet of suspected shabu in exchange for P500 to a police poseur buyer outside her house, Exaltado said.

CAIDSTOG operatives then conducted a stake-out operation on the residence of Dacumos and caught Henry Cebugal, 27, Mark Anthony Jimenez, 38, and Avelino Casalda, 33, all of Bacolod City.

Police report said aluminum foils with visible traces of suspected shabu, two disposable lighters, and two candles were recovered from the house of Dacumos during the raid.

Exaltado said they also raided the nearby house of Norberto Medel, 66, on information from Dacumos that several men were having pot sessions inside.

Arrested were Rex Baylon, 49, of Bago City; Joselito Idala, 19, of Murcia; and Albert Mombate, 36, Eduardo dela Torre, 24, Emilio Sing, 40, Roberto Carasaquit, 29, Victor Sagon, 23, and John Psalm Sebullen, 23, all of Bacolod City.

Medel admitted that his house was being used as drug den in exchange for P5 to P10. He said he has been doing this for almost two months now because he needs to feed his grandchildren.

City Police director Sr. Supt. Ricardo de la Paz said their anti-illegal drug campaign in Brgy. 2 will continue, as the area is listed as “seriously-affected,” both by the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Charges for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) are being readied by the police against the suspects.  (FREEMAN)