Two nabbed for selling nubain

CEBU, Philippines —  Two men, including a former seaman, were arrested in a buy-bust operation midnight on Tuesday in Barangay Sambag I, Cebu City for selling several ampoules of nubain, a regulated drug.

Operatives of City Intelligence Unit arrested Luther Bantilan Bernal, 21, a resident of Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City, and Steve Delima Campomanes, 50, a former seaman and resident of Barangay Sambag I. 

Seized from them during the operation were 171 ampoules of nubain worth P42,750. Lt. Col. Randy Caballes, CIU chief, said that nubain is a prescriptive drug and should not be dispensed without proper prescription from a medical doctor.

Caballes said they received information that the suspects were selling the drug for recreational purpose.

"Naa lang mi na-monitor nga naay distribution ani. That is why we conducted an operation on it although this is not the main commodity of illegal drugs," Caballes said.

Based on the intelligence report, the suspects are able to dispose of 50 to 100 ampoules of nubain per week. They are allegedly supplying the areas of Sambag I and Sambag II as well as the neighboring barangays.

Bernal claimed he got his supply from a certain Ed from Consolacion town. The suspects will be charged for violation of the provisions of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. — Dominic Dilao, UV Intern, FPL (FREEMAN)