Five drug mules get life terms, 15-M fine each over 1600-M shabu

TACLOBAN CITY – Five drug mules, including a 7-month pregnant woman who were arrested in Gandara, Samar last October carrying 1600 million worth of shabu – the biggest shabu haul in Eastern Visayas – were sentenced to life imprisonment by a lower court plus a fine of 15 million each.

All accused who entered a guilty plea during arraignment, was found “guilty beyond reasonable doubt” by Regional Trial Court (Branch 41) Judge Esteban dela Peña for violating the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police Capt. Joselito Tabada, Gandara Police Chief said two vehicles – one driven by Cesar Uy with 2 passengers identified as Steven Perez and a minor, and another vehicle driven by Elbert Abella with passengers identified as Jeralou Laborte, who was 5 months pregnant then, and Leonard delos Reyes, all residents of Cebu, were heading towards Ormoc City when they were flagged down in a checkpoint along Maharlika Highway in Barangay Buñagan, Gandara, Samar on the night of October 17.

The checkpoint was set up by the Gandara Municipal Police, Samar Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU).

The seized shabu weighing 87.835 kgs allegedly came from two different sources in Imus, Cavite and SM North Edsa in Quezon City.

Uy admitted during media interviews that they were paid 150,000 each for every transaction. The accused admitted knowing that they were transporting contrabands but did not know how much it was worth.

The vehicles that were seized were ordered disposed of accordingly and the proceeds be remitted to the Dangerous Drugs Board.

Tabada was directed by the court to turn over the vehicles to the custody of the clerk of court for proper disposition.