Ex-child star CJ Ramos arrested for illegal drugs

MANILA, Philippines — A former child actor was nabbed by Caloocan City Police in a drug buy-bust operation earlier this week.

Cromell John Ramos, popularly known as CJ Ramos, was arrested in Tandang Sora Ave., Quezon City last Tuesday.

In a press briefing Friday, Metro Manila’s top cop Chief Superintendent Guillermo said the original target of the entrapment operation was Louvella Gilen but the police also ended up catching Ramos in a set-up transaction with Gilen.

The 31-year-old former child actor admitted that he has been addicted to the drug for about 10 years now, but claimed that he has already been clean for one year. He said he got tempted that night as he needed an energy boost to do laundry.

“Natukso lang po talaga ako Na-one time big time lang po talaga ‘ko. Wala eh, nasa huli ang pagsisisi talaga,” Ramos claimed.

Eleazar said Ramos was caught in possession of one heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing shabu after the set-up transaction with Gilen.

Ramos and Gilen are now under the custody of the Caloocan City Police and are facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Ramos is known for starring in Star Cinema’s family-drama movie “Tanging Yaman” and “Ang TV Movie: The Adarna Adventure,” which starred some members of 90’s youth-variety show “Ang TV,” where Ramos was also a cast member.

“Hirap ng buhay, problema, tsaka sobrang addictive talaga ‘tong droga na ‘to eh. Nabiktima lang din po ako talaga pero ang problema nun nagpapabiktima tayo sa ganitong masamang bisyo,” the former child star said of why he started using shabu.

Ramos added that he regrets using illegal drugs and that he would grab the opportunity to undergo rehabilitation if given the chance.

He also advised other celebrities who are using illegal drugs to stop and not waste their lives.

“Itigil niyo na ‘yan… ‘Wag niyo na subukan. Kung may chance pa kayo, itigil niyo na ‘yan. Basta ako, nahihirapan ako… I hate drugs. ‘Di na ko magda-drugs kahit kailan,” he said. — Philstar intern Ali Ian Marcelino Biong