Local drug ring member falls

CEBU, Philippines — An alleged member of a local drug ring whose leader is remotely running the illegal drug trade from Cebu City Jail was arrested during a buy-bust operation yesterday in Sitio Kahoyan, Barangay Mambaling.

Operatives from the Drug Enforcement Group (DEG) in Central Visayas led by Supt. Glen Mayam arrested Arnold Lupo, 28, shortly before noon yesterday  and confiscated from his possession an estimated P1.2 million worth of shabu.

Mayam said Lupo is a bigtime drug personality connected with a known drug syndicate operating in Cebu City.

“Bigtime ni siya nga drug dealer kay di mobaligya less than 100 grams, connected ni siya sa drug group. Ang iyang contact kay naa sa jail, ang iya contact mao amo niya who is jailed for a drug case,” Mayam said.

Lupo will be charged with violation of Section 5 of the Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Hours before Lupo’s arrest, another anti-drug operation was conducted by DEG operatives in Sitio Ponce Dos, Barangay Carreta, Cebu City resulted in the arrest of Rolly Siano Labore, 36.

Labore was also caught selling a pack of shabu to undercover policeman. Following his arrest, the police recovered from his possession several paraphernalia used for repacking shabu, P2,270 cash, and several packs of shabu worth P354,000.

Mayam said they have monitored Labore for one month because the latter would not transact outside his house. The suspect allegedly had several spotters that would warn him of the presence of law enforcers making doubly hard for the police to catch him.

Meanwhile, four people, including a drug surrender, were arrested in separate buy-bust operations in Lapu-Lapu City last Thursday resulting in the seizure of at least P17, 760 worth of shabu.

The suspects were identified as Richard Apa, 35, resident of Purok Gemelina, Barangay Poblacion; Ben Bolista, 34; Arnold Nellas, 50; and Joan Christine Itao, 26.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office intelligence chief Supt. Mark Gifter Sucalit said that Apa was a drug surrenderer and has been on the police watchlist. — FPL (FREEMAN)