Three nabbed in drug raids

CEBU, Philippines - Police arrested three persons and seized a total of 36 small packs of suspected shabu in separate buy-bust operations in Lapu-Lapu City on Thursday.

About 23 sachets were confiscated from Ricky Fernandez, 32, in Sitio Looc, Barangay Maribago late Thursday afternoon.

Senior Inspector Verniño Noserale, chief of City Intelligence Branch and City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group, said two of Fernandez’ companions with aliases “Reynan” and “Junior” were able to elude arrest.

Noserale said they discovered the suspect’s hideout as a form of a hole in a dark and abandoned area which can reportedly fit about six persons.

Cash proceeds amounting to P250, drug paraphernalia and some X-rated movie discs were also confiscated from the suspect’s possession, according to Noserale.

Meanwhile, in Sitio Saac, Barangay Buaya, a certain Reynante Cañete, 34, resident of Sitio Kulo, Barangay Punta Engaño was arrested with two sachets of suspected shabu from his possession around 1 p.m. that day.

Finally, in Sitio Malingin, Barangay Punta Engaño, another 11 sachets of prohibited drugs were seized from 33-year-old Sabiniano Dayondon around 10:20 p.m. on Thursday.

Mactan Police Station operatives also confiscated a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines and six live bullets from Dayondon. In all three operations, police recovered the marked money of P200.

All suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Dayondon will face additional case of illegal possession of firearms. — Christell Fatima M. Tudtud (FREEMAN)