Wanted drug suspect nabbed in Quezon City sting

MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) arrested a wanted drug personality in an operation in Quezon City Friday night.

Rolando Espiritu, 49, was nabbed in a sting in Barangay Baesa at around 7:15 p.m., NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao said Espiritu was collared after he tried to sell shabu worth P10,000 to a police officer who posed as a buyer.

Police recovered another 15 sachets of shabu from the suspect.

Chief Inspector Robert Razon, head of the regional anti-illegal drug special operations task group, said Espiritu had been sentenced to six years in prison by the Caloocan City regional trial court for another drug case.

The NCRPO said Espiritu was listed as number one in the regional target drug personalities in Metro Manila.

Razon said he would face another set of charges, this time under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Law of 1992, which imposes higher penalties on drug offenses.

Espiritu will undergo inquest proceedings at the Quezon City prosecutor’s office before he is turned over to the Caloocan City RTC for the issuance of a commitment order to New Bilibid Prison.

Meanwhile, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) arrested a retired police officer and five others in separate drug raids Thursday night.

Retired police officer Francisco Tangonan was nabbed along with Victor Reforma, Orlan Merloza, Lea Ann Maligo and Cecilia Nolasco when police swooped down on a drug den at Sitio San Roque in Barangay Bagong Pagasa at around 11 p.m., QCPD director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Tinio said.

Chief Inspector Enrico Figueroa, head of the QCPD anti-illegal drugs special operations task group, said the same team apprehended Ricardo Calara after he handed over P10,000 worth of shabu to an undercover officer at 3 a.m. yesterday.

The suspects are facing drug charges before the Quezon City prosecutor’s office.