Drug den busted, 3 suspects nabbed

CEBU, Philippines —  Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7) busted an alleged drug den operating in Sitio Lower Yati, Barangay Quiot, Cebu City during a sting operation Wednesday morning that also resulted in the arrest of three suspected drug personalities.

PDEA-7’s  Regional Special Enforcement Team swooped down on Alberto Cuadero, 55, after a four-week surveillance operations to confirm his illegal activities. Arrested alongside Cuadero were Marites Carbonel, 47, and Leronardo Gadiane, 53.

PDEA-7 spokesperson Leia Alcantara said a concerned citizen tipped them of Cuadero’s drug den operation.  Seized from the suspects were nine packs of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu weighing 11 grams with an estimated value of P74,000. Anti-narcotics agents also recovered several drug paraphernalia and the buy-bust money.

 “Dismantling of drug den is considered a high-impact operation as drug dens are breeding ground for violence and criminality and disrupt peace and order in the community,” said PDEA-7 in a statement.

According to PDEA-7, Cuadero can dispose of around 25 to 50 grams of shabu weekly.

A string of criminal charges will be filed against the three suspects which include violations of Sections 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, and 15 of  Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. — Jonah Marie Chu, CNU Intern, FPL (FREEMAN)