Car trader nabbed with drugs, guns

PAVIA, ILOILO, Philippines — A businessman engaged in car trading was arrested following a buy-bust operation Monday afternoon at Barangay Mali-ao in this town.

Members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) swooped down the shop of Hernando Maprangala following information that he was allegedly using his car trading business for the more lucrative illegal drug dealing.

Maprangala’s arrest came after a buy-bust operation where a poseur buyer bought P500 for a sachet of shabu. When the operation was conducted, the suspect was with his alleged runner, Jerry Gonzaga, also a resident of the barangay.

Incidental to their arrest, a search operation was made resulting in the confiscation of two big sachets of suspected shabu allegedly from Maprangala, and three sachets more from Gonzaga.

Also taken allegedly from Maprangala’s possession were two-12 gauge shotguns, different ammunitions for M16 rifle and 9mm pistol—both of which were unlicensed—four rifle grenades and pyrotechnic grenades.

PDEA-6 operatives further confiscated Maprangala’s Isuzu Hi-Lander, which was allegedly used in his illegal trade.

PDEA-6 lawyer Ronnie Delicana told The Freeman that the suspect also kept a record of his alleged illegal drug transactions. “We were able to confiscate a green notebook listed with his illegal transactions and nine sheets of paper with the same entry,” he said.

Delicana considered Maprangala a big-time drug pusher who he alleged was the supplier of illegal drugs in all of Pavia town and, possibly, the neighboring towns.

“Had we not arrested him, we believed that he would expand his trade to Iloilo City for the upcoming Dinagyang celebration,” he added.

Maprangala however denied his involvement in illegal drug pushing, although there were reports that could have financed some illegal drug transactions.

As this developed, a case for violation of Section 5 in relation to Sections 26 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act) will be filed against Maprangala and Gonzaga.

Maprangala will also be facing charges for illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions, and explosives. - THE FREEMAN