HVT, 8 others fall in drug buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines — A female high value target (HVT) was arrested, along with the eight alleged drug addicts, during a buy-bust operation at Sitio Mananga 2, Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City last Saturday evening.

Grethel Rabadon Mercado, 29, a resident of the said place, was the subject of the operation.  Her name reportedly surfaced during interrogation conducted against alleged drug pushers arrested earlier.

During the operation, there were eight suspected drug users caught in Mercado’s place allegedly sniffing illegal drugs.

Those arrested were Joel Gerasmeo Babi, 40, a resident of Barangay Pakigne, Minglanilla; Alexander Navarro Mirasol, 49, from Carcar City; Dax Tecson Mosqueda, 36, a resident of Ward 2, Minglanilla; Alfre Entrina Macalua, 19, of Lawaan 1, Talisay City; Cleo Aba Selona, 27, a resident of Barangay Tungkil, Minglanilla; Balmer Sanchez Linao, 40, of South Poblacion, Naga City; Michael Socobos Alindahao, 31, from Bliss, Barangay Lawaan 3, Talisay City; and Victor Nacario Basalo, 35, a resident of Sitio Crusher, Lawaan 3, Talisay City.

Talisay City Police Station Chief Gerard Ace Pelare said they seized 45 small sachets and one medium pack of suspected shabu.

The evidence confiscated weighed 26.32 grams, estimated to cost about P178,976.

Pelare believes that the illegal drug transactions in the place could decrease, as they have caught one of the big suppliers.

The operation could be considered a message that authorities would not just arrest drug pushers but all individuals who are involved in the business.

All apprehended persons were locked up in jail and will be facing appropriate charges. (FREEMAN)