4 men nabbed, P190 thousand drugs seized

CEBU, Philippines — Four people were nabbed in separate buy-bust operations in Sitio Trinidad, Barangay Punta Princesa last Tuesday morning.

Elements from Labangon Police Station led by Chief Inspector Keith Allen Andaya arrested Jimmyboy Tabares, 25, and his father, Gaodioso Tabares, 48, both residents of San Carlos Heights, Barangay Quiot, Cebu City.

Seized from Jimmyboy were two medium packs and 13 small sachets of alleged illegal drugs with an estimated value of P61,200.

Police also confiscated a .38 caliber revolver from Gaodioso and P200 buy bust money.

Jimmyboy will be facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 while Gaodioso will be charged for illegal possession of firearms.

Quiot Operation

Hours later, another team from Labangon Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation in the same area which led to the arrest of Benedict Codezar, 29, and John Medalla, 29, both residents of Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Quiot, Cebu City.

Seized from the suspects were two medium packs and seven small sachets of illegal drugs worth P47,600.

Also confiscated was one small sachet of illegal drugs which was the subject of sale and P200 buy-bust money.

Andaya said the suspects from both operations were reported through text message and they were subjected to surveillance for at least three weeks.

He added that these suspects have the same drug source and sold drugs in Sitio Trinidad, Barangay Punta Princesa although they are residents of Pardo.

"Syempre dali man madakpan pag mamaligya ka sa inyohang lugar," said Andaya. (They are selling here because you easily get arrested if you sell drugs in your area.)

Tisa Operation

Meanwhile, two men were arrested in another buy-bust operation yesterday morning at Sitio Mangga, Barangay Tisa, Cebu City.

Operatives from Labangon Police Station arrested Patrick James Decoriza, 21, and Kenneth Pateña, 24.

Seized from the suspects were 16 small sachets of alleged illegal drugs, two medium packs of illegal drugs, P200 buy-bust money, and P600 believed to be proceeds of illegal drug trade.

The confiscated illegal drugs were valued at P81,600.

The suspects are now behind bars and will be facing charges for the violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — Marjory D. Enriquez, USJR Intern, MBG (FREEMAN)