P3.5M shabu seized in huge operation

The Cebu City Police Office confiscated at least P3.5 million worth of suspected shabu during a “one time, big time” operation carried out by 11 police stations of Cebu City yesterday dawn.

Twelve suspected drug personalities were also arrested through the implementation of search warrants and buy-bust operations.

The arrested drug personalities were Jaime Damaolao Pingol, 37, Victor Rosal Meho, 46, Gerald Carlos, Benjie Bontilao, 42, Oscar Bontuyan, Ruth Palagtiosa, Glen Anthony Sabiona, Brian Rafols, Arnulfo Rafols Dequitos, Michael Bacalso, Anthony Bacalso, Wilfredo Bendol, and Rolando Dakay Cuizon.

Among the suspects, it was Sabiona from whom the operatives confiscated more than P1 million worth of suspected shabu, while Bontilao yielded a .38 cal. revolver with live rounds.

A certain Daniel Maningo Benavente was able to elude arrest during the raid in his house.

All the suspects are now detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

It can be recalled that Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas encouraged his policemen to conduct simultaneous implementation of search warrants on identified suspected drug personalities.

Meanwhile, CCPO director Senior Superintendent Royina Garma admitted that illegal drugs is still rampant in Cebu City despite the series of intensified police operations conducted by their office for the past two years after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed office.

“Yes it’s true na marami talagang drogas, di naman basehan na bumaba ang drogas kung maraming huli ang pulis... Kini tan-aw nako, kulang pa ang effort nato tanan para magkaisa ta ba at mapadali ang trabaho nato against illegal drugs,” said Garma.

Just a few days ago, operatives of the City Intelligence Branch and the City Drug Enforcement Unit arrested four suspected drug personalities including a 20-year-old woman and a 17-year-old minor who were found with more than P7 million worth of illegal drugs.

Garma said that she is planning to change their strategies to keep up with the tactics of drug peddlers.

Ermida Q. Moradas/BRP