P2.3M shabu seized from ‘drug courier’

CEBU, Philippines - Police seized at least P2.3 million worth of illegal drugs from a drug surenderer during an entrapment operation yesterday afternoon in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City.

The suspect was identified as Gabriel Laurencia alias “Gabby”, a resident of A. Lopez Street in the barangay. Operatives of San Nicolas Police Station led by Chief Inspector Keith Andaya conducted the buy-bust operation at 4:50 p.m. against the suspect after receiving information about his illegal activities.

Seized from Laurencia’s possession were six small sachets of shabu and two big plastic packs weighing over 200 grams with an estimated value of P2.3 million. The police also recovered the P500 buy-bust money.

Andaya said Laurencia surrendered during the Oplan Tokhang as drug user. He was placed under surveillance for three weeks after the police received information that he went on selling drugs after he surrendered.

“Small time rani siya. Courier gyud ni siya pero dili siya mosulti kinsa iyang boss,” Andaya said.

He will be charged with violation of sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, three people were caught in a drug den during a saturation drive conducted by the police in Sitio Caduloy Riverside, Barangay Tisa Sunday evening.

The suspects were identified as Jose Mari Dalocanog, 23; Jose Cabusas, 43; and Romeo Labandero, 49, all residents of Barangay Punta Princesa.

Based on the report of the police team led by Punta Princesa Police Station chief Alvin Arsula, the police were conducting preventive patrol in the area when they chanced upon the suspects in a shanty that they later discovered to be a drug den.

Police, however, only recovered drug paraphernalia in the area.

The suspects are now temporarily detained at Punta Princesa police precinct pending the filing of criminal complaints against them.

Police file complaints for violation of Section 7 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) which prohibits visiting a drug den and violation of Section 6 of the same law against Cabusas for maintaining a drug den.

Labandero may also be facing criminal complaints for possession of drug paraphernalia. Police reportedly seized strips of aluminum foil from Labandero believed to be used for sniffing shabu.

The law punishes any person who maintains a drug den with life imprisonment and a fine ranging from P500,000 to P10 million. — /FPL