"Big time" pusher falls in Carcar; marijuana uprooted in Balamban

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected level two drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7 Monday afternoon in sitio Cambuntan Barangay Bolinawan Carcar City.

Nilo Indiola was caught after selling a pack of shabu to an undercover PDEA agent. Two large packs of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu and two other small packs amounting to P70,000 were recovered from his possession.

PDEA agent Earl Rallos said Indiola is considered as one of the big time drug pushers in Carcar City and neighboring towns in the south. He is allegedly capable to dispose P1 million worth of shabu every week.

According to Rallos, Indiola’s arrest was a product of more than one month surveillance after they were informed of his illegal activity.

Rallos said they immediately conducted a test buy to validate the information before they set up the dragnet leading to Indiola’s arrest. The suspect admitted his illegal activity saying he was only forced to engage in illegal drugs because of poverty.

A criminal complaint for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of the Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act is now being prepared for filing against Indiola.

Meanwhile, over P150,000 worth of marijuana plants have been uprooted by the police in Balamban town last Monday.

Senior Police Officer 3 Arvie Banate said 613 stalks of fully grown marijuana plants were discovered by them in four sitios of Barangay Bayong.

Banate said the marijuana plantation was located in sitios Bagakay, Kapyohan, Dao and Ambakon. No cultivator was arrested during the operation.

Banate said local residents of the barangay informed them about the plantation. It was the third time this month that they were able to raid marijuana plantations. — (FREEMAN)