12 nabbed in separate anti-drug operations

CEBU, Philippines - At least 12 people were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in the towns of Alcantara and Liloan.

Members of the Cebu Provincial Public Safety Company arrested 11 people during a buy-bust operation shortly before noon yesterday in Barangay Palanas, Alcantara town. 

The suspects were caught inside the house of a policeman that was allegedly used as drug den by caretaker Sotero Batulano alias Tiroy.

Members of the Cebu Provincial Public Safety Company conducted the buy-bust operation past 11 a.m. against Batulano but he eluded arrest.

Chief Inspector Marlon Gumabao, PPSC team leader, said Batulano is on the watchlist of Alcantara Police Station, Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group, and Provincial Intelligence Branch.

“Nag-conduct kami ng buy-bust operation, nakadagan man to’ng subject namin, daghan mang tawo parang drug den ang lugar, 11 kabuok nadakpan,” Gumabao said.

Gumabao said they have confiscated at least 10 small packs of suspected shabu and several drug paraphernalia. Two of the 11 suspects arrested were caught in possession of shabu while the others were arrested for visiting a drug den.

Gumabao said they are also studying the possibility of filing charges against Senior Police Officer 1 Joel Sarmiento for allowing his house to be used as drug den.

“I-assess kung ma-filan ba og maintaining drug den, di ko pa masabi kon gi-tolerate or iyang negosyo ang drugs,” said Gumabao.

Liloan operation

Meanwhile, more than P200,000 worth of shabu was confiscated by the police during a raid in Barangay Cocot, Liloan town last Monday afternoon.

 Police operatives confiscated three big packs and 12 small packs of shabu from William Rosal Jubay Jr., 33.

Senior Inspector Ramil Morpos, Liloan Police Station chief, said the raid was conducted based on the search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Teresita Galaneda.

Morpos said Jubay was placed under surveillance before the operation.

“Actually usa lang ni siya sa mo-dispose sa item ngadto. Naay dako nga supplier nga target sad sa operation, among nakita nga adto sa ilaha mag-abotan, adto sa ila ang tighagbong sa item,” Morpos said.

Morpos said the drugs confiscated in Jubay’s apartment was estimated to be worth P212,400 based on the Dangerous Drugs Board value. The police classified Jubay as level three drug pusher who could dispose of at least 100 grams of shabu every week.

“Bag-o pa lang ni siya, level three pa lang,” Morpos said. 

The suspect will be charged for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — (FREEMAN)