"Shabu peddler" in Tangke held

CEBU, Philippines – A 30-year-old man who allegedly attempted to sell shabu to a police team was arrested yesterday afternoon in sitio Magay, barangay Tangke, Talisay City.

Jonrie Surigao was arrested by members of the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operation Task Group (PAIDSOT-G) who were serving a search warrant against Joven Bazar, 63, a reported level-2 pusher in the place.

The warrant was issued by Judge Edito Enemecio of Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Danao City.

Seized from Surigao's possession was 40 small silver packets containing alleged shabu which he placed in a medium-size plastic cellophane.

From Bazar's house, police also recovered two medium packs of alleged shabu and one .357 caliber revolver with five rounds.

Among those in the raiding team were SPO4 Ernesto Navales, SPO3 Ferdinand Navales, SPO1 Benjamin Sebellita, SPO1 Isaias Cabuenas, SPO1 Edgar Causon, PO3 Romeo Ramas, and PO2 Charles Gomez.

According to the police, while they were on their way to Bazar's house they met Surigao in a narrow pathway that leads to the suspect's place and offered them shabu.

Hence, police immediately arrested him and seized his merchandise.

Meanwhile, Bazar was under surveillance for three weeks already after police received information that he was among those in the area who were allegedly engaged in the illegal trade.

Tangke has been known as one of the most drug-infested areas in Talisay and the entire province.

Bazar reportedly disposes of 50 grams of shabu in one week.

His wife Oning admitted that it was his 4th time to be arrested, and all cases were drug-related.

Bazar was put under probation for his two cases.

Both suspects, who are now detained at the Talisay City Police Station, will be facing violation of RA 9165, and Bazar will also be slapped with an illegal possession of firearms case. (FREEMAN)