Dentist nabbed for drug trafficking

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – A dentist who allegedly turned drug trafficker was arrested along with two others in Paniqui, Tarlac over the weekend.

Epifanio Castro, 54, reportedly yielded a plastic sachet said to contain shabu when he was arrested at his residence in Barangay Patalan, according to town police chief Superintendent Salvador Destura Jr.

Aside from Castro, police arrested Rufino Fernandez, 49, and Sarhani Diko, who were at the house during the anti-drug operation.

Police said Castro ranked first in the town police’s list of suspected drug traffickers.

“His addiction prevented him from practicing his profession, so he decided to engage in the drug trade,” Inspector Marty Calara, leader of a team who conducted a surveillance on Castro, said.

Castro reportedly told investigators that Diko is a runner of his drug supplier from Metro Manila, whom he identified only as Alex.

He admitted to police that he had been selling and using shabu since 1995.

Records showed Castro was previously arrested for drug possession in San Manuel town in 2012, and was released from jail only last year.