Over P500T drugs seized from 20-year-old in Bogo

CEBU, Philippines - More than half a million worth of suspected shabu and several firearms were confiscated from a 20-year-old drug pusher during an anti-illegal drug operation in Barangay Gairan, Bogo City, Cebu Wednesday night.

Glenn Cadlawon was arrested after he handed over a small pack of suspected shabu in exchange for P200 during a buy-bust operation conducted by the Provincial Intelligence Branch and the Bogo City Police Station, supported by the Special Weapons and Tactics team of the north district.

Senior Inspector Leo Logroño, deputy chief of the PIB, said Cadlawon was a member of the Sumabong Group, which already separated after its leader, Joel Sumabong, was arrested with his wife and son January this year.

Logroño said the Sumabong Group was involved in illegal drug trade and accepted gun-for-hire operations. The group was also linked to several shooting incidents and other robberies in northern Cebu.

Logroño said Cadlawon was one of Sumabong’s assistants in selling illegal drugs. After Sumabong was arrested and the group separated, Logroño said Cadlawon has been working with another illegal drug supplier.

“After nadakpan si Sumabong, nakakita ni og lain nga supplier, a certain “Amigo” nga iyang supplier from Cebu City,” said Logroño.

Logroño said from being just a street pusher under the Sumabong group, Cadlawon became a level-three drug pusher who can sell at least 100 grams of illegal drugs every week in Bogo City and other nearby municipalities.

“Paspas ang ilang pagtubo kay wala na ma’y daku-dako ron nga player kaayo sa Bogo since nadakpan na si Sumabong,” said Logroño.

Logroño said after learning of Cadlawon’s activities, they immediately conducted surveillance and monitored Cadlawon’s operations for a month.

At around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday night, the group conducted a buy-bust operation at Cadlawon’s residence in Barangay Gairan.

Logroño said Cadlawon was with his cohort, a certain Brendo Remulta, who also has a warrant for illegal drugs.

“Sila gyud duha ang partner sa pagbaligya,” Logroño said.

However, he said when they introduced themselves as policemen, Remulta immediately ran away and was able to elude arrest. Logroño explained that most of the operatives were focused on Cadlawon because he was armed.

Police were able to seize one large, two medium and 30 small packs of suspected shabu weighing at least 48 grams amounting to P566,400, based on the Dangerous Drugs Board value.

They further seized assorted drug paraphernalia and several firearms: one cal. 45 pistol with five live rounds, one Blackwidow 9mm with two live rounds and one COLT 357 revolver.

In an interview, Cadlawon admitted that he has been involved in the illegal drug trade for over a year but said he does not know Sumabong. 

Cadlawon also said he does not own the firearms since those were only pawned to him. He also said he regrets being involved in the illegal activity.

Logroño said Cadlawon will be facing charges for violating the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002 and for illegal possession of firearms.   (FREEMAN)