4 persons nabbed in anti-drugs ops

CEBU, Philippines — Close to P2 million worth of suspected shabu were seized in a buy-bust operation conducted by the City Intelligence Branch (CIB-CCPO) headed by Police Major Randy Caballes at 5:15 p.m. yesterday at Sitio San Roque, Barangay Lorega San Miguel, Cebu City.

Those arrested were identified as Emelyn “Lalat” Villasura, 28, single; and Josua Khenard “Wang-Wang” Montecillo Duran, 21, a tattoo artist. Duran was the target of the operation.

The two suspects are residents of the barangay.

Caballes said they have been monitoring for a week the activities of the two suspects, who are allegedly part of the drugs watchlist at the regional level.

The suspects reportedly admitted that they own the drugs seized from them.

Villasura and Montecillo said that they would just receive the drugs and distribute them.

The police seized 275 grams of suspected shabu valued at close to P2 million, the P10,000 buy-bust money.

Meanwhile, the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 also arrested two men involved in illegal drugs in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City last Saturday evening.

Those arrested were Wilfredo Cuizon Jr, 42, unemployed, and Roniel Arriesgado, 29, a driver.

The police recovered about 50 grams of suspected shabu valued at P340,000 based on the Dangerous Drug Board Value, a cellular phone, cash and drug paraphernalia.

PDEA-7 Spokesperson Leia Albiar Alcantara said they have been monitoring the duo for about a week before they conducted the operation against the suspects.

Alcantara added that the two can dispose about 50 grams of shabu every week, based on the accounts of a confidential informant.

The suspects are now detained at the Cebu City Police Office and the PDEA-7’s Holding Facility pending the filing of the case for violation of R.A. 9165 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002. (FREEMAN)