5 nabbed in separate anti-drug operations

CEBU, Philippines — Police have confiscated nearly P2 million worth of illegal drugs in separate buy-bust operations that also resulted in the arrest of five suspected drug pushers.

Joint operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit and City Intelligence Branch of Cebu City Police Office arrested Leo Labador, 35, a native of Negros Occidental, during a sting operation in Barangay Suba, Cebu City.

Anti-drug operatives seized from him at least P1.3 million worth of shabu. Police claimed that Labador was placed under surveillance for few weeks to confirm reports that he was selling illegal drugs to his neighbors in Barangay Suba.

Upon confirmation, a buy-bust operation was hatched resulting in his arrest last Tuesday evening. Few hours later, another CIB anti-drug operation resulted in the arrest of Renante Matas alias Totong, 36; and Jay Abella, 36, in Avocado Street, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City.

CIB chief Police Major Randy Caballes said Matas and Abella had been under surveillance for a week before their arrest. Seized from both of them were several packs of shabu with an estimated value of P222,000.

In Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City, two suspected drug pushers were also arrested during a buy-bust operation.

The suspects were identified as Erica Poloyapoy, 45, and Wilbert Poloyapoy, 51, both residents in the said place. Seized from them were several packs of shabu with an estimated value of P470,000.

The operation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Team of Toledo City Police Station, led by Police Lt. Col. Janette Rafter. All arrested drug suspects are facing criminal charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act. From BANAT News/FPL