Teenager nabbed for illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines — A 15-year-old high-value target was arrested by the operatives of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) City Intelligence Branch (CIB) in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Galili, Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City.

CIB Chief Randy Caballes told reporters that they considered the suspect as a high–value target because of his disposal capability and the areas he covers that include Barangays Duljo Fatima, Punta, Tisa, and Mambaling.

Caballes also said that the suspect is not just a drug courier, but reportedly also a supplier of illegal drugs.  The authorities claimed the suspect can dispose of about 300 to 500 grams of suspected shabu in a week.

“Siya gyud. Siyay bodega, siyay hagbongan then sya na puy mo-dispose. Then naa sad siyay mga tawo nga mokuha sa lima ka barangay na.  Kada barangay naa syay tigkuha na, unya naa puy laing mukuha,” Caballes said.

He also said that the suspect’s father was arrested long before, due to illegal drug trade as well.

“Nya naa sad sya mga kaliwat nga apil sad, which is amo pang gi-validate para sa follow-up operations,” he added.

Caballes said they are not discounting the idea that the suspect probably entered the illegal drug trade because of his father and some of his relatives who are still scot-free.

He also revealed that the suspect is believed to have started his involvement in the illegal drug trade a year ago to sustain the needs of his live-in partner, who was pregnant at that time.

Seized from the suspect was at least 275 grams of suspected shabu with estimated value of P1.8 million.

The suspect is now under the police custody and is set to face the charge for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 Section 5 and 11. (FREEMAN)