Inmates’ servant nabbedwith P3.4 million worth of shabu

CEBU, Philippines — A 40-years-old woman was arrested in a buy-bust operation with no less than 500 grams of shabu worth P3.4 million Tuesday afternoon.

Suspect, Marieden Barbecho, a resident of Sitio Fatima, Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City, was arrested by the personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7.

Barbecho was crying and denied the drugs that were seized from her.

She said she only bought groceries for the inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).

Barbecho said that only the relatives of the inmates of the CPDRC would contact her to buy the basic needs of their loved ones who are inside the facility.

Many remittance center receipts were seized but she said these were receipts of her purchases and not for illegal drugs.

She said she has been doing the same job for a long time since 2017 and she was helped by her uncle who was imprisoned in said jail facility.

The PDEA-7, on their part, said that Barbecho is a new player in illegal drugs and that her illegal activity was known because of the report of their regular asset.

They then conducted surveillance on the suspect and then made a transaction at the house.

It is said that the amount of illegal drugs that can be disposed of in one week is one kilo and the area of distribution is not only Cebu City but also in the neighboring areas.

PDEA-7 will also investigate who this transaction was with the suspect based on the receipts obtained by the authority.

Meanwhile, a 47-year-old man was arrested in a buy-bust operation Monday night at C. Padilla Street, Brgy. Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City.

The operation was conducted by the City Drug Enforcement Unit of the Cebu City Police Office led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Dindo Juanito Alaras.

The suspect was identified as Varry dela Calzada Castro, a roll-up installer who is a resident of the area and is considered a high-value individual.

Alaras said that they monitored Castro's activities after they received information that he was involved in illegal business.

Alaras added that the suspect can dispose of 100 grams every week and his distribution is in Brgy. Duljo Fatima.

During the operation, two 25 grams and 27 small sachets weighing 51 grams worth P346,800 were found in the possession of Castro.

Appropriate charges will be filed against the suspects. — GMR (FREEMAN)