Drug peddler cornered

CEBU, Philippines - An estimated P100,000 worth of illegal drugs was seized from a notorious "drug pusher" inside his residence in Barangay Tipolo, Mandaue City last Wednesday evening.

Antonio Espina, 36, a resident of Espina Compound in Barangay Tipolo, was arrested by the operatives of the Subangdaku Police Station during a buy-bust operation conducted against him.

Police Senior Inspector Miguel Andeza led a team conducting the entrapment against Espina after it was found during surveillance that he can dispose large quantities of illegal drugs.

During the buy-bust, the suspect was able to run towards his room upon sensing that he was able to transact with a police decoy.

Police followed Espina to his rented room and caught him there.

They then recovered the P200 marked money, as well as small sachet and two large packs of suspected shabu from his possession when he was cornered in his room.

Espina admitted he has been selling shabu for almost a year and that he gets his supply from Barangay Lorega, Cebu City.

He also said the .9mm pistol seized from him was bought from a friend.

The suspect is now detained at the Subangdaku Police Station pending the filing of charges for violation of the RA 9165 for possessing and selling illegal drugs and illegal possession of firearms. — Flor Z. Perolina (FREEMAN)