2 ‘high-value targets’ nabbed in drug busts

Two alleged high-value targets and several other individuals, including two minors, were arrested in separate buy-bust operations in Cebu City and Talisay City.

Last Thursday evening, about P3.4 million worth of suspected shabu weighing around 500 grams was seized from an 18-year-old suspect in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City identified as Giovannie “Dodong” Mancao.

The operation was staged by operatives from the Carbon Police Station led by Police Captain Alvin Llamedo, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7.

Later that night, in Barangay Pahina Central, another alleged high-value target identified as Sanny “Sanny Boy” Bermudez, 21, a resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz, Cebu City, was arrested by the authorities.

According to the police, Bermudez yielded seven packs of shabu with estimated weight of 140 grams and worth of P950,000.

In Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, couple Roberto Abasolo and Nina Pautan, both of legal age and residents of the place, were arrested during another police operation in Sitio Mananga 1.

Another six individuals and two minors were apprehended as police swooped down on a drug den allegedly maintained by the couple, according to Police Lt. Col. Marlu Conag, chief of Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) of Cebu Provincial Police Office.

Conag identified the other arrested persons as Eric Taub, Mitchel May Marcelo, Jomar Pautan, Brix Iballar, Lloyd Echavez, Jasan Suarez and two male minors.

Conag said the couple, who was subject of the operation, was automatically neutralized.

The visitors, who were allegedly on a drug session, were also caught off-guard when police arrived.

Seized from the suspects were 27 sachets of illegal drugs which weighed 16 grams with estimated value of P108,800.

Other evidences confiscated were drug paraphernalia, cellphone, cash and buy-bust money.

All arrested persons were brought to the police station awaiting the filing of appropriate charges against them.

SURPRISE, SURPRISE

Meanwhile, the CCPO conducted a surprise drug test on all personnel of Labangon Police Station yesterday morning as part of CCPO Director Colonel Gemma Cruz Vinluan’s directive for every police officer of Cebu City to undergo the test,

“For me, as a city director, hindi ko gustong pailan-ilan lang ang magpadrug-test. Actually ayaw ko naman sabihin na random eh, lahat sila i-da-drug test namin sila. Ang intensyon ko is magpadrug-test lahat ng pulis pati yung nandito sa headquarters, ultimo pati yung naggagwardya dyan sa harapan,” she said.

Vinluan said she wants to ensure that all her men are capable of enforcing the law.

“Mahirap maging taga-pagpatupad ng batas kung ikaw mismo di ka karapatdapat,” she said.

“Kaya ko lang gustong i-intensify na magkaroon ng drug test ang lahat ng pulis just to make sure na all of us are in good condition. Sa laki ng aming accomplishments, hindi kami pwedeng masingitan or else sa isang pagkakamali lang na may magawang Cebu City police, sayang ang lahat ng effort ng buong kapulisan pag mayrong isang pulis na na-tempt,” she added.

Vinluan warned that officers who will test positive will be dismissed from the organization and face charges.

“Patatanggalan ko ng badge, issued firearms, ipapasubject ko administrative case, pre-charge para ilagay ko siya sa admin hall ng center namin para ma-limit ang kanyang movement. He will be definitely be ejected sa PNP organization pag may nag-positive. Kakasuhan at matatanggal,” she said.

Since Vinluan assumed as CCPO director, the office has confiscated P47.5 million worth of suspect shabu, she said. —