2 drug ‘traders’ charged

CEBU, Philippines — Two suspected drug traders from Cebu City are facing charges before the court for allegedly selling drugs.

Burt De Villa Batoto, a resident of Barangay Quiot, and Marvin Rivera Juagarap of Barangay Duljo, were indicted for violating Section 5 (selling of dangerous drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Batoto was also charged with Section 11 (possession of shabu).

Prosecutor II Verna Merelos recommended no bail for their temporary liberty.

The suspects were arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the operatives of Labangon Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 in Barangay Quiot on May 23 this year.

The operation was hatched after cops received a report about the illegal activities of Batoto, a high-value target and the subject of the operation.

During the operation, cops said, Juagarap transacted with the poseur-buyer.

Authorities seized seven large packs of shabu weighing 177.66 grams from Batoto. (FREEMAN)