Drug bust nets 8 in Danao

CEBU, Philippines - Eight people were arrested including a suspected drug pusher during a buy-bust operation in Danao City yesterday morning resulting in the confiscation of over P300,000 worth of illegal drugs.

Suspected drug pusher Malvin Mangas Sr., 41, was caught in the act of selling a pack of shabu worth P500 to an undercover policeman in Barangay Looc, Danao City.

Also arrested during the operation were Reynaldo Montebon, Darwin Galo, Marvin Gomez, Raul Siscon, Nazareno Lao, Jonas Mangas, and Hennie Barrega.

The arrest stemmed from complaints from the neighbors of the suspect because of his illegal activities.

Provincial Intelligence Branch deputy chief Armando Labora said Mangas had been charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act before but was acquitted.

Labora said that a two-week surveillance operation was conducted to confirm the report about the suspect’s involvement in the illegal drugs operation.

After having confirmed the illegal activities, PIB operatives immediately conducted the buy-bust operation. Mangas and his live-in partner Barrega were caught selling drugs while the rest of the suspects were seen sniffing illegal drugs.

The police have confiscated a big pack, two large plastic packs, four medium packs, five small packs of suspected shabu from Mangas and Barrega.

The confiscated drugs were estimated to be worth P306,000 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board value. — (FREEMAN)