"Pusher" caught selling drugs in Cordova

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected drug pusher was caught in the act of peddling drugs at Sitio Camolinas, Barangay Poblacion, Cordova town on Friday afternoon.

Luige Fernandez Degamo, 33, of the said place was caught in the act of peddling illegal drugs to two unidentified men at around 3:30 p.m. SPO1 Laurencio Wagas of Cordova Police said Degamo was spotted by a group of patrolling police led by PO2 Charlie Valmoria.

When they saw Degamo acting oddly, the patrolling police rushed towards him and recovered in his possession four sachets of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

The two unidentified men whom Degamo was transacting with reportedly ran away when they saw the approaching policemen. When he was frisked, six more sachets also believed to contain shabu were seized from one of his pockets.

Police say illegal drug trade thrives in the area and the residents are aware of it which prompted the police to conduct regular patrolling in the area.

The suspect is currently detained at Cordova Police station while awaiting formal charges. 

Meanwhile, Banzon Casas, 43, of Looc, Danao City, Cebu was apprehended after he tried to escape a police checkpoint conducted by elements of the Compostela police station on Friday.

Investigators said that Casas, who was riding his motorcycle reportedly drove past the said checkpoint. Casas, however, stopped a few meters from the checkpoint at around 10:30 p.m.

When approached by the police, Casas reportedly dropped to the ground a plastic bag containing several drug paraphernalia which led to his arrest.

No illegal drugs were recovered from Casas but he will still face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Casas is temporarily detained at the Compostela police station while formal charges are set to be filed tomorrow. (FREEMAN)