Police arrest level-two drug pusher, four users

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged level-two drug pusher was arrested by the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group operatives in a buy-bust operation in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday morning.

Michael Pangatungan was arrested after he allegedly sold a pack of shabu to RAIDSOT operatives 6:30 a.m. yesterday in Sitio Hagna, Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.

SPO4 Honorato Tano, in an interview, said Pangatungan was placed under surveillance after they received complaints of his illegal drug activities from local officials two months ago.

According to Tano, Pangatungan can dispose a total of 20 grams of shabu per week, and his area of operation is concentrated in Lapu-Lapu City, catering to trisikad and habal-habal drivers.

Police recovered the P200 marked money as well as a pack of shabu that he reportedly sold to police officers during the buy-bust operation. Police further recovered three medium-sized packs and nine small packs of suspected shabu worth over P60,000. Also recovered was P4,500 cash believed to be the proceeds of his illegal drug trade.

Aside from Michael Pangatungan, police also arrested Antonio Pangatungan, his cousin, who allegedly tried to aid the former escape from the arresting police officers.

Pangatungan denied being a drug pusher and ownership of recovered drugs while his cousin Antonio claimed that yesterday was his first day since his retrenchment. He said he was reinstated for winning a labor case against his employer; instead, he landed straight in jail.

Michael will face a charge for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 while Antonio will be facing a charge for obstruction of justice.

Meanwhile, four drug users who were having a pot session in Sitio Estasyon, Barangay Maslog, Danao City, were caught on Saturday evening during a roving patrol by the Cebu Provincial Police Office.

The suspects were identified as Rizaldo Quiros, 49; Brylle Laurito, 26; Erwin Bolante, 28; and Jimboy Peston, 34. All are residents of the said area.

PO3 Phil Restauro, head of the roving patrol, said that during their patrol, they incidentally saw the suspects gather together in a small hut. They then saw, in plain view, one of the suspects distributing drug paraphernalia and a small plastic sachet of shabu to his companions.

Police immediately arrested the suspects and were able to recover one small plastic containing shabu, three lighters, three improvised tooters made of tinfoil strips, three pieces of tinfoil strips and three hand-rolled tissues.

The suspects were brought to the police station and will be facing appropriate charges.  (FREEMAN)