Regional Trial Court judge Soliver Peras sentenced two men to fifteen years imprisonment for possession of 0.11 grams of shabu after they were arrested during a drug session last October 2005.
In a nine-page decision, Peras also ordered Ismael Nacario and Jerric Orbita to pay P300,000 as fine for the offense.
The two were nabbed last October 12, 2005 in barangay Pardo, Cebu City, for having in their possession 0.11 gram of shabu.
The two pleaded not guilty for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
To prove its case, the prosecution presented forensic analyst Alexander Patriana, Romelita Nacario —the wife of one of the suspects— and arresting officers SPO4 Henry Eguia and PO2 Joel Lacson as witnesses.
“The prosecution was able to prove all the elements of the crime of illegal possession of dangerous drugs. The four plastic packs that were confiscated were positively identified by Lacson and Eguia to be the same plastic packs they confiscated from the accused,” Peras said. — Jasmin R. Uy/MEEV