No bail for arrested Nigerian

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended no bail against a Nigerian who was arrested last Tuesday night inside a motel at the North Reclamation Area for allegedly selling drugs.

National Bureau of Investigation agent Bernard dela Cruz said that James Okwudili Uyanneh, 53, is now detained at the Mandaue City Jail after waiving his right to undergo preliminary investigation.

Uyanneh was arrested during an entrapment operation. He has been charged for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Last Tuesday evening the NBI-7 confiscated 70 grams of shabu worth P350,000 from the suspect.

Uyanneh denied owning the shabu, claiming the drugs were just planted on him.

On Thursday the NBI conducted a follow-up operation that led to the confiscation of 14 more packs believed to contain shabu weighing 700 grams inside Uyanneh’shouse in Barangay Yati, Liloan town, Cebu. It was estimated at P3.5 million.

NBI-7 Regional Director Antonio Pagatpat earlier said that someone from Yati, Liloan, called their office and informed them that the accused was living in their barangay.

Acting on the information, they proceeded to the area. There, Susan Santillan, 38, the live-in partner of the accused voluntarily turned over the things including a locked luggage of the latter to the authorities.

The shabu was discovered in the luggage.

Santillan said it was only last Thursday when she knew about the activities of her live-in partner.

The accused yesterday denied knowing Santillan when asked by the members of the media.

“Susan Santillan? Who was that? I don’t know her. I don’t even see her,” he said.

Uyanneh likewise denied renting a room in Yati, Liloan. He said he never lived there.

In a press conference yesterday, NBI deputy director for Regional Operation Services Vergilio Mendez congratulated the people behind the operation.

“The bureau is proud with the accomplishments of the regional office. Personally I came over because I wanted to talk to them and to encourage them,” he said.

He said it is alarming that foreigners are now involved in the local drug market.

Meanwhile, Dela Cruz said the complaint for illegal possession of drugs, in relation to the drugs found in Liloan, will be filed against Uyanneh next week before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. —/BRP (FREEMAN)