ILLEGAL DRUGS Ramirez refuses to undergo drug test, faces charges

Medellin Councilor Ricardo “Ricky” Ramirez refused to undergo a drug test before he was charged at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office yesterday afternoon.

Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) operatives brought the official to the regional crime laboratory in Cebu City, but the former Medellin mayor signed a document that he won’t submit urine sample for the test.

“Iya man nang katungod. Dili nato mapugos (That is his right. We cannot force him)” said Supt. Joie Yape Jr., PIB chief.

Ramirez was arrested in his home in Barangay Caputatan Sur, Medellin for keeping unlicensed firearms and drug paraphernalia last Wednesday morning.

He denied involvement in the illegal drug trade in his hometown.

Police Regional Office 7 Director Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, in a separate interview, said Ramirez should be subjected to a drug test as the latter is accused of being a drug user.

Espino said their intelligence reports described Ramirez as a high-value target, a user and engaged in the illegal drug trade.

He said he also received reports about rogue public officials and a retired policeman with a pending arrest warrant for drug charges. These personalities, Espino said, will be arrested in their future operations.

Ramirez will face trial in court for possession of unlicensed firearms, ammunition and illegal drug paraphernalia.

The police yesterday filed the charges before the Office of the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor.

The case for violation of of Republic Act (RA) 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Section 12 (illegal possession of drugs paraphernalia), Article II of RA 9165, or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2000, will be elavated to court after Ramirez chose not to undergo preliminary investigation.

Assisted by his lawyer Dax Quijano, Ramirez, 53, appeared before Prosecutor Jerome Abarca for the inquest proceedings.

Ramirez will be temporarily detained at the Cebu Provincial Police Office stockade, pending the filing of charge sheet and issuance of commitment order by the judge.

PIB operatives arrested Ramirez on Wednesday using a search warrant issued by Judge Jacinto Fajardo, Jr.