"Drug pusher" eludes arrest

CEBU, Philippines - A level two drug pusher evaded arrest in a buy bust operation conducted by the police in Villagonzalo II, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City last Tuesday.

Operatives from the Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operating Team (RAIDSOT) – 7 headed the buy bust.

Sr. Insp. Henrix Bancoleta, team leader of the operation, said Julius Del Mar, the subject of the operation, managed to elude arrest after noticing the presence of the police.

Only Julius’ wife, Analene, 33, and their 24-year-old helper Richard Gaviola, of Barangay Hipodromo, were arrested by the police at around 10:20 p.m. 

 The P500 marked money, a medium pack and four small sachets of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, were seized from the two. The drugs was estimated to have a street value of P15,000.

 A cal. 38 revolver was also seized from the possession of Gaviola who tried to resist arrest.

Upon sensing the police, investigators said, Julius ran inside their house and fled through a back door. The police pursued Julius but failed to arrest him after he ran towards the interior portion of the barangay.

The Del Mar couple managed a small sari-sari store in front of their house. It is believed to have served as a front for their illegal drugs operation. 

Bancoleta said they placed Julius under surveillance for over three weeks in coordination with the Mandaue City Police Office.

“He (Julius) operates in Cebu and Mandaue City. That is why it is a joint operation of RAIDSOT and MCPO,” he said in Cebuano. The police are still looking for the whereabouts of Julius. 

 Analene and Gaviola are currently detained at the Police Regional Office -7 holding cell while the police are preparing charges for the violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Act of 2002. –(FREEMAN)