P1.8M marijuana, shabu seized in Danao

CEBU, Philippines — Almost P1.8 million worth of marijuana plants and suspected shabu were seized in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Danao City on Saturday.

In Barangay Lawaan, Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of Danao City Police uprooted a total of 8,000 fully grown marijuana plants with an estimated value of almost P1.6 million.

Police Superintendent Jaime Quiocho Jr., Danao City Police chief, said that the cultivator identified as Ricardo Bacang was able to escape during the operation.

“Naka-sensed siguro na paparating ang ating police at agad tumakas pero kakasuhan natin siya,” said Quiocho.

He said that a concerned citizen reported to their station regarding the presence of a marijuana plantation in the area.

The uprooted marijuana plants were burned in the area while the operatives only brought some stalks for evidence purposes.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, Danao DEU arrested six suspected drug pushers during a buy bust operation and seized almost P200,000 worth of suspected shabu and a caliber .45 handgun with two live ammunitions.

The arrested suspects were identified as Rene Caputi, Eleno Laurito, Marjorie Ermita, Francisco Colon, Romeo Batucan and Sandy Palma.

Seized from the suspects were two medium packs and 20 small packs of suspected shabu and cash worth P2,350 believed to be proceeds of illegal drug activities.

The caliber .45 pistol was recovered from Batucan.

All the arrested suspects are temporarily detained in Danao City Police detention cell pending filing of proper charges. (FREEMAN)