PDEA probes cop, witness nabbed in drug sting

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is investigating the alleged involvement of a witness under its custody and a police officer in a drug bust in Cabanatuan City last week.

PDEA director general Arturo Cacdac said the agency’s Intelligence and Investigation Service (IIS) has started its probe of Police Officer 2 Franklin Ariap and state witness Jean Granada who were arrested in an entrapment operation on Dec. 3.

“Let the ax fall where it may. We are not covering up any tracks or misdemeanor of anyone who has committed violations of the law,” said Cacdac.

Ariap is a non-commissioned police officer detailed at the PDEA for counter-intelligence purposes, while Granada is a state witness under IIS’ custody. He earlier admitted participation in the theft of seven kilos of shabu inside the PDEA compound in 2006.

According to Cacdac, the investigation will shed light on the controversy as he denied earlier reports that Ariap is his relative.

“The statements made are baseless, plain and simple. It is just a smear campaign to attack my integrity and the agency. This will not deter us from performing our task of going after high value targets,” said Cacdac.