Two arrested for drugs

CEBU, Philippines -  Two persons were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted by operatives of the Mactan Police Station at 1:30 a.m. yesterday in Sitio Casana in Barangay Mactan, Lapu-Lapu City.

The suspects were identified as Hardy Augusto, 31, of Sitio Soong II and Owen Pulvera, 40, married and a resident of Sitio Mahayahay in Barangay Bankal.

The operation was immediately conducted by the operatives of Mactan police led by its station chief Police Senior Inspector Virnino Noserale after an informant called up the police station about an ongoing illegal drug transaction of the suspects.

Police Officer 2 Riel Palahang said during the buy-bust operation, the police were first able to arrest Augusto after he was handed a P200 marked money by a police decoy in exchange for drugs.

Augusto was immediately frisked and the police were able to recover the P200 marked money, another medium pack of shabu and some drug paraphernalia.

Pulvera was also arrested due to his presence in the area. He was said to be conspiring with Augusto in the illegal drug transaction.

During a quick frisk, police were able to seize an unlicensed .45 cal. pistol from Pulvera's possession.

Both suspects are currently detained at a holding cell of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office pending the filing of cases of violation of the RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and illegal possession of firearms this Monday.  (FREEMAN)