Ex-cop held for intervening in drug sting

MANILA, Philippines — A retired police officer was apprehended for allegedly obstructing the conduct of a drug sting in Quezon City on Tuesday night.

Authorities nabbed Arnold Quimson, 70, after he interfered in an anti-narcotics operation in Barangay Sauyo, according to Chief Superintendent Joselito Esquivel Jr., director of the Quezon City Police District.

Prior to this, police arrested drug suspects Brian Garcia, 41; Arhel Plaza, 44; Edgar Castro, 47, and Manuel Burgos, 38.

Quimson supposedly intervened and asked the police if the sting was legitimate.

 “He was also caught taking a cell phone video of the police operation, prompting his arrest,” Esquivel said.

Charges of obstruction of justice would be filed against Quimson, police said.

Probers said they confiscated eight sachets of shabu, drug paraphernalia and a motorcycle during the sting.

In Caloocan City, a suspected drug pusher died after he allegedly engaged police in a firefight yesterday.

Crisanto Patimo, 42, died at the scene from gunshots to the body.

Patimo allegedly yielded 19 sachets of shabu, marijuana, a 9mm pistol and ammunition.