Nine people fall in NBI-7 drug bust

CEBU, Philippines - The operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday arrested nine people, including two alleged “notorious” drug personalities, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

NBI-7 director Antonio Pagatpat said that his men conducted a buy-bust operation against Jason Norido and Nilo Abendan. During the operation seven other suspected drug users were arrested in the alleged drug den. The suspects were identified as Romy Montalbo, Wilbert Lopez, Mariano Risona, Dirk Lester Inoc, Marian Bas, Rolando Racasa, and Philip Christian Loyloy.

The NBI agents seized from Abendan a big pack and 100 small packs of shabu, a caliber .45 pistol, and P11, 000 cash. There were also 60 small packs of shabu and assorted drug paraphernalia recovered from Norido.

Pagatpat said that Norido and Abendan were placed under a month-long surveillance to confirm their involvement in illegal drugs trade. He said separate charges will be filed against Abendan and Norido while the seven other suspects will also be charged for visiting a drug den.— (FREEMAN)