Cops seize almost P200T worth of drugs

CEBU, Philippines - Almost P200,000 worth of illegal drugs were confiscated by authorities in separate operations in Cebu City Tuesday.

At least P100,000 worth of illegal drugs were seized by the operatives of the City Intelligence Branch along T. Cavan Street, Barangay Pasil, Cebu City Tuesday afternoon.

Hipolito Gaviola, also known as “Tawang”, was arrested in his residence by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Wilfredo Navarro of the Regional Trial Court Branch 19 for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

CIB deputy chief, Inspector Gomersendo Mandawe said that Gaviola was placed under surveillance for two weeks before the implementation of the search warrant.

The police recovered 237 small packs of suspected shabu and assorted illegal drug paraphernalia from Gaviola.

The CIB operatives also arrested three persons during the said operation for violation of Presidential No. 1603 or illegal gambling. They were identified as Ranan Lao, 25, Fritz Pamisa, 27, Emmanuel Alit, 24 and John Ray Catipay, 29.

The police confiscated three illegal gambling machines.

Meanwhile, around P80,000 worth of illegal drugs were seized by the elements of the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force in a buy-bust operation at Sun Valley, Barangay Calamba, Cebu City Tuesday night.

Edgar “Egay” Cuizon was apprehended after he personally handed a small pack of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer in exchange of P200.

The police recovered one small pack of suspected shabu, one medium-sized sachet of suspected shabu, another 45 small packs of suspected shabu, P200 marked money, and P800 cash believed to be Cuizon’s proceeds from the drug trade.

CAIDSOTF chief, Senior Inspector Eunil Avergonzado, said that Cuizon is an ex-convict from Muntinlupa having jailed for possession of illegal drugs.

Cuizon was under surveillance for three weeks before the anti-drug operation.

Avergonzado said that they could have confiscated more illegal drugs but a cohort of Cuizon who was bringing other illegal drugs was able to escape.

All the five suspects are currently detained at the Cebu City Police Office detention cell.  — (FREEMAN)