Two men arrested for traffic violation, yield illegal drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Two traffic violators, who both yielded illegal drugs and were accused of a previous burglary incident, were arrested by in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City yesterday dawn.

The suspects were identified as Ian Douglas Dacapio, 27, and Edmar Lahoylahoy, 20, of Barangay Talamban, Cebu City. Dacapio, of Barangay Bacayan, Cebu City, is a native of Hilongos, Leyte.

Based on the report of Casuntingan Police, some police officers were patrolling Barangay Banilad, acting on the prevalence of robbery incidents in the place, when the suspects, who were riding a motorcycle, passed by them and tried to evade when flagged down.

The police eventually caught up with the suspects in sitio Pine Tree at past 4 am and initially found out that Dacapio drove the vehicle without license.

Seized from Dacapio was a black sling bag that contained three cellular phones, lighter, a passenger vessel ticket and an improvised plastic box which contained a pack of suspected shabu and rolled tin foils.

Lahoylahoy also yielded a partially consumed cigarette believed to be marijuana. Folded knives were also seized from both suspects.

PO1 Juanito Lubres of  Casuntingan Police said they are checking Dacapio’s background after a man appeared at their police station yesterday and pointed at the suspect as the one who recently burglarized his house.

Lubres said the complainant will return today to file charges against Dacapio, who denied the accusation.

The police officer further disclosed that they found information from the suspect’s phones that would link him to illegal drug trade.

“Naa ma’y nabasahan didto na text na ipakuha na daw ang ‘butang’, unya sa pagpamaligya og druga mao man na’y termino gamiton. (We read a text message telling him to the the ‘thing’ which is the term used by those involved in the drug trade),” said Lubres.

Charges for possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia and for carrying bladed weapon  will be filed today against the suspect. A separate violation for driving without license will be filed against Dacapio, he said. — (FREEMAN)