Pusher catering to bus drivers, conductors arrested

CEBU, Philippines — A suspected drug pusher who allegedly counted bus drivers and conductors among her regular customers was arrested by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives in Cebu City, following reports that illegal drugs were being sold near schools and a busy transport hub.

The suspect, Salome Villarino, 42, a resident of Nangka Ville in Barangay Quiot, Pardo, Cebu City, was arrested around 5:50 P.M. at a derelict gas station along J. Alcantara Street after she allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover NBI operative using marked money.

The operation stemmed from intelligence reports that illegal drugs were being sold in the area to PUV drivers, conductors and, allegedly, students from nearby schools.

Agent-on-case Atty. Wenceslao Galindez said the bureau decided to conduct the operation because of the potential danger posed by illegal drug activities in a location frequented by commuters and students.

"The reason why we conducted this operation, although we seldom operate on drugs, is because of the impact on the surrounding businesses and communities adjacent to that particular location," Galindez said.

He noted that the area is situated near at least three schools and a bus station.

"In our case buildup, the people buying drugs from her were bus drivers, bus conductors and students. So it's very alarming," he said.

Galindez said the suspect allegedly disguised herself as a beggar while using the area as her place of operations.

Authorities had placed the suspect under surveillance for about a week before conducting the buy-bust operation, which was preceded by intelligence gathering and a successful test-buy that established probable cause.

Galindez said investigators also discovered that several individuals were reportedly engaged in similar illegal activities in the vicinity.

"Actually there are a lot of them selling drugs in that particular location. They move from one place to the other. Maybe we will conduct another operation to eventually stop that kind of operation in the area because it involves public safety," he said.

During the operation, agents recovered six heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, the marked money consisting of two ?100 bills, ?1,900 in cash, and the suspect's National ID card.

The seized items were inventoried at the scene in the presence of barangay officials and media representatives. The NBI also coordinated with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency before and after the operation, authorities said.

Laboratory examination conducted by the NBI Forensic Chemistry Division later confirmed that the six sachets, with a combined weight of 0.2477 grams with an estimated street value of ?1,500, tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

Forensic examination likewise found traces of fluorescent powder on Villarino's hands, indicating that she had handled the marked money used during the buy-bust operation.

Galindez acknowledged that the quantity of drugs recovered was relatively small but emphasized that the greater concern was the alleged clientele being supplied.

"The value is not really substantial. There were only six sachets. But she's really into selling only. The threat is the exposure of the young generation and the bus drivers. It's very dangerous if they are into drugs and then they are driving public utility vehicles," he said.

During questioning, Villarino admitted violating the law and acknowledged selling illegal drugs.

"Akong mga customer kanang mga driver og konduktor sa 01K," the suspect said, while denying that she sold drugs to students.

She claimed she only started selling shabu last March after her child died, saying financial difficulties and debts pushed her into the illegal trade.

According to Villarino, she bought the drugs from suppliers in Barangay Duljo-Fatima for ?150 per sachet before reselling them.

The suspect is now undergoing inquest proceedings before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office. (FREEMAN)