P6 million drugs seized from suspect

CEBU, Philippines — Illegal drugs worth over P6 million were seized from a high-value target in a buy-bust operation yesterday afternoon in Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City.

Joxel Chan, 28, was caught in possession of 11 medium packs, one large pack, and one extra-large pack of suspected shabu weighing one kilo. The seized drugs amounted to P6,800,000.

Also seized from him was a small sachet of suspected shabu which was the object of sale, P2,000 buy-bust money, and P4,000 believed to be drug money.

The operation was conducted by personnel of the City Intelligence Branch and the Drug Enforcement Unit of the San Nicolas Police Station led by Chief Inspector Kenneth Paul Albotra.

Albotra said the operation stemmed from information they received from those they previously arrested. Chan was placed under surveillance for a month before the operation yesterday afternoon.

"Karon nadakpan na g’yud siya, di g’yud pwede nga di nato sila mahurot. Bisan pa siguro ma-successful sila og pila ka adlaw, pero maabot g’yud ang panahon nga dakpon g’yud sila sa authorities," said Albotra.

Albotra added that the suspect can reportedly sell up to a kilo of illegal drugs in a month to customers in Cebu City and nearby provinces.

Aside from saying he used to work as a dishwasher in a mall, Chan refused to comment on the allegations against him. He is currently detained at the police station pending the filing of drug charges against him.

Meanwhile, 14 people were arrested and two drug dens were dismantled in separate buy-bust operations in Cebu City and Talisay City.

Elements from Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 conducted a buy-bust operation in Sitio Laguna, Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, Cebu City, yesterday noon which led to the dismantling of a drug den and the arrest of nine suspects.

Those arrested were drug den maintainers Angelina Porlas and Wilson Gomez, and their customers Jessie Agapay, Jhunrey Estodillo, Alfred Muit, Fernando Aronalles, Argie Icoy, Richard Tulda, and Pablo Nases Jr.

Seventeen packs of suspected shabu worth P81,600 were confiscated.

Last Monday, five people were also nabbed and a drug den was dismantled in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Mananga 1, Tabunok, Talisay City Cebu.

Operatives from PDEA-7, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Talisay City Police Station arrested Sharekann Bernabat, the drug den maintainer, and Rodenio Suico, the subject of the operation. Also arrested were drug den visitors, Rueben Dela Fuente, Jupiter Ebarola, and Charlie Badilles.

Police recovered 15 packs of suspected shabu weighing 50 grams, valued at P340,000 and several drug paraphernalia. One .38 cal. revolver and five live rounds were also seized from Bernabat.

The suspects are now behind bars and will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Bernabat will also be charged for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the gun ban. — Marjory D. Enriquez, USJ-R intern BRP (FREEMAN)