7 arrested in 2 separate drug den raids

CEBU, Philippines —  At least seven individuals were arrested in two different drug den dismantling operations conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for two days.

The first operation was conducted in Purok 8, Barangay Cogon, Tagbilaran City, Bohol at around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022.

The operation was initiated by the members of the PDEA-7 Bohol Provincial Office, Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit of Central Visayas, and the Tagbilaran City Police Station.

In a statement, PDEA-7 said the arrested was the subject of the operation and drug den maintainer identified as Bogart P. Rivera, 35, a carnival crew.

Also nabbed were drug den visitors Alvin M. Simpson, 20, a mechanic, and John Marlon B. Agua, 26, a pet shop staff.

Seized during the operation were seven packs of suspected shabu weighing around 7 grams with an estimated market value of P47,600, buy-bust money, and various drug paraphernalia.

Cases for violation of Article II of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the arrested suspects.

According to Leia Albiar, spokesperson of PDEA-7, the operation stemmed from a report from a confidential informant.

The operation underwent a one week case buildup. The suspects could allegedly dispose of 10 grams of illegal drugs or more per week.

A day before, the same agency conducted an operation at Sitio Back Rubber, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.

The authorities said that the operation was a buy-bust turned into the dismantling of a drug den at around 8:30 p.m. of the said day.

This resulted in the arrest of the subject of the operation identified as Moncito G. Cabalde, 42.

Also arrested were drug den visitors identified as Elmer A. Cabalada, 52; Lito P. Solidad Jr., 43, a houseboy; and Philip Roy R. Caruzca, 31.

Confiscated during the operation were nine packs of suspected shabu weighing around 10 grams with an estimated market value of P68,000.

According to Albiar, the operation has also undergone a one week case buildup. The subject of the operation could allegedly dispose of 30 to 50 grams of suspected shabu. — GMR (FREEMAN)