Dentist, 3 others nabbed in PDEA sting op

A dentist and three others were arrested by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency operatives during an entrapment operation, resulting to the discovery of a drug den in Cotabato City.

PDEA Director General Arturo Cacdac, Jr. said the suspects, identified as Dr. Rainier Masukat, 44, a rural health dentist, of Ilang-Ilang Street; Marvin Sinsuat, 40, of Barangay Datu Balabaran, Husky Terminal; Rosello Paches, 33, of Bagua 3; and Von Lluna, 24, of Lugay-Lugay, Bagua 1, all of Cotabato City, were apprehended inside the alleged drug den in Bagua 3, Cotabato City.

Cacdac said PDEA agents set up a meeting last Nov. 26 with Ricky Cimafranca, a pusher under the watch list and the subject of the buy-bust operation, at his residence doubling as a drug den in Bagua 3. 

However, after handing  over a sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu to the poseur-buyer, Cimafranca was able to elude arrest.

During a follow-up operation, authorities located Cimafranca’s house where Masukat and three others were having a pot session. 

PDEA agents also recovered various drug paraphernalia.

Masukat, Sinsuat, Paches, Lluna will face charges for violation of Section 7 (Visitors of a Drug Den), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Cimafranca will be charged for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 6 (Maintenance of a Drug Den).