"Pusher" arrested for the 5th time in Argao

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher who has been arrested several times was again arrested by the Argao police in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Tikoy, Barangay Bogo, Argao town last Saturday afternoon.

For the fifth time, Joel "Bro" Miñoza, of legal age, a tricycle driver from Barangay Talaga of the same town, was arrested by the Argao Police led by Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos.

Recovered from his possession was a white plastic pack containing 13 small packets of shabu estimated to be worth P6,500, the P500 marked money; one small packet of shabu which was the subject of the buy-bust; and P2,600 believed to be proceeds of his illegal drug trade.

All pieces of evidence recovered were taken to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory-7 at the Camp Sotero Cabahug in Cebu City for chemical analysis.

SPO1 Arnold Abenir, of the Argao Police Station, said they conducted the buy-bust operation after a week of surveillance based on the information they received that Miñoza has again been involved in the same illegal activity.

Miñoza was arrested after the poseur-buyer handed over the P500 marked money in exchange for one small packet of shabu.

Previously, Miñoza was the subject of operations conducted by the Argao police twice, the Provincial Intelligence Branch, and the Provincial Investigation Detection and Management Branch several years ago.

Miñoza was jailed at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City but the court granted him probation.

He has two other pending charges for possession of illegal drugs but was able to post bail for his temporary liberty.

"Abi namo mausab unya ni-enter na man pud diay, (We thought he would change but he is into drugs again.)" Abenir said.

Miñoza was a noted drug pusher in the area who could dispose about P50, 000 worth of shabu in a week.

The Argao police tagged him as level two drug pusher. His area of disposal was only in Argao.

Miñoza's source was somebody from Cebu City whom he refused to disclose.

Criminal charges for violation of Sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against him tomorrow at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office.

- (FREEMAN)