Cops nab man who trades illegal drugs in CCPO vicinity

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation past 1 p.m. yesterday at Gorordo Avenue, Barangay Kamputhaw which is a stone's throw from Camp Sotero Cabahug, the headquarters of the Cebu City Police Office.

Roel Laborte, 46, was arrested immediately after he sold a pack of suspected shabu worth P300 to an operative of the City Intelligence Branch yesterday afternoon.

His residence is just located few meters away from the Cebu City Police Office where he operated his illegal business.

Past 1 p.m. yesterday a team of CIB operatives led by Senior Inspector Gomersendo Mandawe conducted a buy bust operation against the suspect.

An operative acted as a buyer and asked the suspect to sell him P300 worth of shabu after he handed over a small pack of shabu CIB operatives swooped down on him and he was arrested.

CIB recovered 21 medium packs, one-half of a big pack (bulto), one fourth of a big pack (bulto)  and several drug paraphernalia were recovered from his possession worth P70, 000 of suspected shabu including the P300 buy bust money and over P1, 000 money believed to be his sales proceeds.            

Mandawe in an interview said they received information from a concerned citizen that the suspect is engaged in the illegal drug trade.

He said upon receipt of the information his men conducted a surveillance operation and it was found out to be positive that led to the operation.

 Laborte said that he is engaged in the business for almost a year and sold the drugs to his friends and acquaintances only.

"Mamaligya ra ko sa akong mga barkada ug kaila sir," he said.

He said he got the drugs from Pasil from a supplier and once his sticks are sold he would go there and buy from his supplier.

"Sa Pasil na nako gikuha, kung naa nay kwarta palit na sad ko ako na sad nang ibaligya," he said.

He said he was forced to engage in this kind of business because of poverty and asked for forgiveness for what he has done.

"Mangayo lang ko og pasaylo sir," he said.

Laborte was brought to Cebu City Police Office and will be facing a charge for violation of the Comprehensive dangerous Drugs Act of 2000.   (FREEMAN)