Two arrested for drugs and illegal guns in Mandaue

An ex-convict and a tricycle driver were arrested for selling drugs and for illegal possession of firearms in a joint operation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Central Visayas (CIDG-7) and Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), yesterday dawn in Sitio Lapyahan, Barangay Labogon.

CIDG-7 team leader, Police Chief Inspector Lirio Coral said that Sinando “Junjun” Godinez Sullano, 33, has been under surveillance to validate reports of him carrying around unlicensed firearms.

Coral said that Sullano is also a member of the Loberanis Crime Group based in Mandaue who are allegedly involved in several criminal activities including illegal drug trade.

Personnel from MCPO Station 3 duly conducted a buy-bust operation on Sullano where a police operative transacted with Sullano by purchasing a sachet of suspected shabu worth P300 pesos.

CIDG-7 and other back-up policeman closed in after the transaction was completed. Sullano attempted to escape but police were able to corner and arrest him.

Also arrested on the spot was Sullano’s cousin, Randy Sullano Sabido, a tricycle driver, after several packs of suspected shabu were found in his possession.

The law enforcement team recovered one big, one medium, and nine small packs of suspected shabu. A.45 caliber pistol loaded with six live ammunition and .38 caliber revolver, loaded with three live ammunition.

However, in a separate interview with the suspects, both denied that the evidence recovered from their residence was theirs and said that these were all planted by the operatives.

Sullano admitted that he served three years in Muntinlupa and another year in Mandaue City Jail for possession of illegal firearms. He said that after his release, he had been earning his living as a barber.

Recovered evidence has been turned over to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory.

Illegal drugs confiscated are being assessed to determine weight and value, while the firearms will undergo ballistic examination.

Both suspects are temporarily detained inside the CIDG-7 stockade prior to filing of charges.

Sullano and Sabido will both be charged for violating Republic Act 9165 for possession and distribution of illegal drugs, while Sullano will be facing additional charges for violations against Republic Act 10591 or possession of unlicensed firearms.