Suspected drug den operator charged for drug possession

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected drug den operator in Naga City where a police officer was shot and injured two weeks ago was charged in court for possession of illegal drugs.

Guillermo Villarin was indicted for violation of Section 11 Article II of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He was ordered to pay P200,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Assistant provincial prosecutor Napoleon Alburo found probable cause to indict Villarin of the crime after he was caught in the act of having in his possession packs of illegal drugs.

Elements of the Naga City police led by Sr. Insp. Rolando Evalle were on a hot pursuit operation in the afternoon of May 21 following a shooting incident in the morning that injured Police Officer 1 Antonio Icalina in Sitio Mohon, Barangay Langtad.

Icalina who was assigned in Tudela Police Station reportedly met with Villarin when he was shot by five unidentified male assailants.

During the follow-up operation, the police operatives were led to a shanty owned by Villarin. The accused allegedly admitted ownership to the shanty where several drug paraphernalia and packs of shabu were recovered.

Villarin was then placed under arrest and charged for possession of illegal drugs.  (FREEMAN)