Minor nabbed with P1.9 million shabu

CEBU, Philippines — A 15-year-old boy, who was considered as a high-value target, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Sario, Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City early morning yesterday.

Seized from him were 14 medium and large packs of shabu worth P1.9 million based on prices estimated by the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB).

Police Major John Escober, Pardo Police Station acting chief, said the confiscated drugs from the minor were his supplies for two weeks.

The minor, he said, was placed under surveillance for two weeks prior to the conduct of the operation.

A case will be filed against the minor within the week for violating Republic Act 9165 or The Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.

In another buy-bust operation in Sitio Gala, Barangay Day-as, police arrested Sandy Acosta Ejares, 39.

Police seized six packs of shabu worth P54,000 from Ejares, who is now detained at the Parian Police Station pending the filing of drug charges against him.

Meanwhile, Wardley Getalla, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency acting regional director, said President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war is “not a failure” contrary to Vice President Leni Robredo’s statement.

“Hindi natin masasabi na 100 percent success pero talagang nakikita natin na umuusad tayo pasulong,” said Getalla.

Despite a relentless campaign over the past three years, Robredo earlier said the Duterte administration’s war on illegal drugs failed with only less than one percent of the total estimated consumption of shabu seized.

The statement was part of Robredo’s report on her stint as co-chair of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, which lasted for only 18 days because Duterte sacked her for alleged incompetence.

During his campaign to the presidency, Duterte promised to end the drug problem within six months of his election.

Three years into his term, he has asked for numerous extensions for his self-imposed deadline, eventually giving up on the initial timeline altogether.  Katrina C. Alvarez, USJ-R Intern, KQD (FREEMAN)