P1.9M shabu seized from woman

CEBU, Philippines — A 28-year-old woman was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation conducted by operatives of the Cebu City Intelligence Branch (CCPO-CIB) last Sunday night in Sitio Kiosko, Barangay Basak Pardo.

Police identified the suspect as Marylou Aguilar Cabahug, a newly identified drug personality who is not included on the station’s watchlist.

Cabahug yielded at least 10 medium-sized packs of suspected shabu weighing 275 grams with an estimated street value of P1.87 Million.

Police Colonel Royina Garma, the director of Cebu City Police Office, said that CIB operatives had been monitoring Cabahug for several weeks due to reports received that she was selling drugs.

It was last Sunday when CIB operatives launched an operation against her.

Cabahug is currently detained in CCPO stockade pending the filing of charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

Garma said that shabu recently confiscated in a sting of anti-drug operations over the weekend were results of hoarded shabu over election period.

She explained that some illegal drug personalities may have suspended operations or lessened it following intensified patrolling during the election period.

“Ang dami ng huli natin over the weekend. Grabe ang security natin sa eleksyon kaya wala tayong masyadong huli kaya nung bumalik milyones na naman. Ayaw talaga tumigil,” Garma said.

She added that they will now realign focus on illegal drugs as the election heat has subsided.

Moreover, Garma added that police stations are now allowed again to operate even outside the bounds of their jurisdiction for a more effective anti-drug campaign.

She said that she suspended the crossing of boundaries after the case of Eddie Basillote who as alleged was mauled by cops from Talamban police station.

” I directed them to make operations intense and study ang style of operation it was the station commanders who suggested para they can operate better. I suspended cross drug operations after allegations on Basillote,” she said.

No bail

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended no bail against a 35-year-old man, an alleged known drug peddler.

Gilbert Tajanlangit Delgado alias Ebit, a resident of Sitio Tabok Kanal, Barangay San Nicholas, Cebu City, is charged before the court for  violating Article II of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Prosecutor III Rhodna Alcala-Bacatan indicted Delgado after finding probable cause.

In an inquest proceeding, Delgado chose not to submit counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against him. Instead, he manifested to face the charges in court.

On April 24, 2019, the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) operatives of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) arrrested Delgado for illegal possession of shabu.

Police Staff Sergeant Harold Flores, in his affidavit, alleged that prior to the arrest of Delgado, their office received report that a certain Ebit, a known drug peddler in Barangay San Nicholas, was seen selling illegal drugs.

After verification, a buy bust operation was held on April 24 at 10 p.m.

Delgado was arrested after the transaction was completed. (FREEMAN)