PDEA-6 nabs watchlist's 9th

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — The No. 9 in the drug watchlist personalities in Western Visayas was arrested by joint elements of Philippine Drugs Enforcement  Agency-6 and Banate PNP during the search warrant operation conducted in Barangay Dugwakan, Banate, Iloilo week hour of Sunday.

Armed with Search Warrant No. 14-06 issued by Rogelio Amador of Regional Trial Court Branch 66, of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo dated September 2, raiding team arrested Punong Barangay Roger Belarde of the above-mentioned barangay.

PDEA-6 director Paul Ledesma said recovered from the suspect's possession and control were 11 sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately eight grams with street value of P50,000, drug paraphernalia used for storing, repacking, distribution of shabu, P 160 cash money, three mobile phones, one homemade 12-gauge shotgun with magazines and six pieces of live ammunition.

Ledesma said also arrested were suspect's wife Respe and nephew Archie.

"The suspect's wife and nephew acted as conspirators in the drug den," he said.

Currently, suspects are under the PDEA custody while preparing the case to be filed against them.

Ledesma said Belarde was the third punong barangay arrested in town of Banate who were involved in drug trade.  (FREEMAN)