5 nabbed, 80 shabu packs seized

CEBU, Philippines - Five persons were arrested while at least 80 small packs of suspected shabu were seized by the police in three separate anti-illegal drug operations in Cebu City Thursday.

Over P180,000 worth of the illegal drugs was confiscated by the operatives of the Cebu Intelligence Branch from Warlito "Walter" Colina, 39, in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Kasambagan.

The operatives were able to recover from Colina at least 61 small packs of suspected shabu and P2,000 cash believed to be proceeds of his illegal activity.

Inspector Gomersendo Mandaue, CIB deputy chief for operations, said that his team received information through a text message informing them of Colina's illegal drug trade.

Mandaue said they then placed Colina under surveillance for two weeks and confirmed the information.

"Naa'y ni-text nga silingan ra pud niya two weeks ago maong gi-verify namo ang information. Aduna mi poseur-buyer nga niadto sa iyang balay ug didto na namo siya gidakop," Mandaue said.

Mandaue said Colina is not a big-time drug pusher and can only dispose varied sachets of shabu every month.

"Mangumpra ra man siya kung mahurot iyang stock. Dili dinagko. Usahay daghan, usahay gamay ra ang iyang ma-dispose," the police official added.

Colina is now detained at the Cebu City Police Office detention cell and will be facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, a couple was arrested in another buy-bust operation in Barangay Bulacao.

At least 18 small packs of suspected shabu were seized by the police from Manuel "Noling" Reyes, 51, the subject of the buy-bust, and his live-in partner Mary Ann Labita.

The police also confiscated a cal. 45 pistol with magazine loaded with ammunition from Reyes' possession.

The arrested couple is now detained at CCPO detention cell and will face charges for violation of RA 9165 and for illegal possession of firearm.

In a separate incident, Rolando Muaña, 25, and Bernard Abesia, 28, were arrested after they were caught in possession of a shabu pack and deadly weapons in Manalili Street, Barangay Ermita.

Investigation revealed that barangay tanods Carmelito Eranas and Artemio Cullarga were conducting beat patrol when they noticed Muaña and Abesia acting suspiciously.

The tanods approached the two and confiscated from them a small pack of suspected shabu, an improvised ice pick that measured 11 inches long and a kitchen knife which measured 12 inches long.

The suspects were arrested and now detained. — Xenia Maureen Arda, USJ-R MassComm Intern/NSA (FREEMAN)