Ex-police officer seized with P70T worth of shabu indicted in court

CEBU, Philippines - A former police officer who was confiscated with at least P70,000 worth of shabu at his house in Barangay Looc Norte, Asturias town was indicted by the Office of Cebu Provincial Prosecutor.

State Prosecutor Gerome Abarca held former Philippine National Police member Virgilio Jesus Quiachon for trial after he found probable cause to indict the suspect for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Quiachon, an alleged drug pusher, was arrested on November 1 by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Hermes Montero of the Regional Trial Court Branch 59 in Toledo City.

The police seized four medium-size packs and 24 small packs of suspected shabu and several drug paraphernalia from Quiachon’s room.

Quiachon was reportedly dismissed from the PNP service for his involvement in illegal drugs.

In an inquest proceeding before Abarca, Quiachon chose not to answer the allegations and instead manifested to face the charges in court.

Abarca recommended P200,000 bail for him.

Police Officer 2 Landy Divinagracia of the Asturias Police Station said they will follow up the commitment order from the court regarding the transfer of Quiachon to the provincial jail or to Toledo City Jail this week should the latter fail to post bail.

Divinagracia said Quiachon admitted he resorted to selling illegal drugs almost a year ago since he did not have any other source of income.

The suspect further confessed to his former colleagues that he gets his supply of the illegal drugs from Muntinlupa City, although he refused to divulge the identity of his supplier.

Asturias Police Station chief, Senior Inspector Narciso Abapo, earlier said they subjected Quiachon under surveillance for three weeks prior to his arrest.

Abapo said Quiachon’s room was possibly used as a drug den since several drug paraphernalia were found inside.

Quiachon is reportedly included in the police watch list and was considered as a level three drug pusher who could dispose at least 50 grams of shabu every week.  (FREEMAN)