Labra: Info from ‘courier’ critical in fight vs drugs

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Intelligence Division of the Police Regional Office – 7 has placed the alleged drug courier arrested last Friday under tactical investigation to confirm reports that the illegal drugs being supplied in Bohol comes from Cebu.

“Atong gitinguha mahibaw-an nato and ma-confirm ang source sa shabu sa Bohol. If naggikan ba gyud dinhi and kinsa gyud. This will really prove na ang kasagarang source sa shabu diri sa Cebu,” said RID chief, Supt. Paul Labra.

Labra said they would want to know how many times the suspect, Lean Criston Artiaga, 26, has slipped drugs to Bohol, considering that Artiaga never had any record of involvement in the illegal drugs trade. He also has never been arrested, which makes authorities consider him, at least for now, a mere courier.

“Di na mao ang mamaligya gyud. Ang mga couriers maghatod lang ug bayran based on grams,” Labra said.

He said the RID has a list of drug personalities responsible for supplying and distributing drugs in Bohol but the tactical investigation would be helpful to allow Artiaga to verify reports.

The RID has also coordinated with the port police.

Artiaga was arrested after he did not turn over for inspection the paper bag he was bringing when he was at Pier 1 in Cebu City. It turned out that the paper bag contained at least 500 grams of suspected shabu worth at least P6 million.

Artiaga was supposed to take a ferry to Talibon, Bohol.

Charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 was filed against him yesterday.

Efforts against the illegal drug trade in Bohol have not been smooth for the police recently. Just last August, PO1 Michael June Ejoc died on the spot after he sustained gunshot wounds to his head and neck during a drug operation against Benjun Tari in Poblacion, Tagbilaran City.

His colleagues, PO1 Rinan Tagotongan, PO1 Carlito Gamalo and PO2 Judito Jasmin, were also hit but are lucky to be alive.

The cops tried to enter what was believed to be a drug den but engaged in an encounter with Tari.

Labra said lawless elements will always find a way to push back on efforts of police to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs. Several areas in Cebu, particularly sea ports offering trips to Bohol, are under constant monitoring because they are reportedly being considered by suppliers as “back door”, including Dalaguete, Argao, Naga, Bogo, Samboan, and Minglanilla.

Labra said there are no manufacturers of illegal drugs in Cebu right now and those being distributed in the region reportedly come from Manila. The supplies from there are also being shipped to Masbate, Samar, and Bicol area before reaching Cebu.

In a separate development, suspected shabu worth P68,000 was seized during a buy bust operation in Sitio Paray, Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City the other night.

Elements of the City Intelligence Branch of Cebu City Police Office also arrested Ramil Belayo, 37, who was reported to be engaged in selling illegal drugs in the area.

Belayo was apprehended after he handed a small pack of suspected shabu to a policeman who acted as the poseur-buyer in exchange of P300.

Police also recovered five other small packs and two medium-sized packs of suspected shabu.

Reynaldo Vallenas, 34, who was inside Belayo’s house during the operation was also arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. (FREEMAN)