Police capture 3 ‘pushers’ who sold to drivers

POLICE arrested three suspected drug personalities in a buy-bust in Barangay Nangka, Balamban, Cebu last Monday morning.

Seized from the suspects were 15 grams of white crystals believed to be shabu, with an estimated street value of P177,000.

Senior Insp. Ramil Morpos, the town police chief, identified the suspects as Jonathan Clemente Mendo, Japit Maglasang Marikit and Richard Cabillon Abalo.

Before the arrest, the police were informed of the group’s allegedly illegal activities.

Morpos said that they conducted the buy-bust after surveillance confirmed the suspects’ alleged involvement in the shabu trade.

The police official said that the group’s leader is Mendo. They resided in Talisay City, but transferred in Balamban last month.

“Most of their customers are motorcycle-for-hire drivers,” said Morpos.

Mendo can reportedly dispose of at least 10 grams of shabu per week.

Morpos said Mendo refused to cooperate in the investigation or to name his supplier.

In Barangay Hagnaya, San Remigio, police arrested suspected drug dealer Victor Singuran Collantes and his live-in partner Emelynda Gonzales Pilapil.

Seized from them were more than P17,000 worth of shabu and assorted drug paraphernalia.

The operation was authorized by a search warrant issued by Bogo City Regional Trial Court Branch 61 Judge Antonio Marigomen.

The suspects will face complaints for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Selling shabu and other dangerous drugs is a nonbailable offense.