‘Shabu tiange’ busted

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected drug pusher allegedly operating a “shabu tiange” in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City and described by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation as “untouchable” was arrested yesterday afternoon during a buy-bust operation.

NBI-7 Director Max Salvador announced the arrest of Rodelito Cabijer alias “Gigi” and 28 others after the raid.

“This day we conducted a buy-bust operation at Ermita, a place we are conducting surveillance for one month, a place considered as a ‘tiange,’ a den where any drug user can go there and use it there,” Salvador said.

Salvador said substantial amount of drugs and paraphernalia were seized during the operation. As of press time, the NBI is yet to finish the inventory of the drugs seized. It will be formally presented to the media today.

 Salvador said Cabijer has been operating a drug den in Ermita and is said to be “untouchable.”

The NBI official, however, refused to elaborate whether the suspect enjoy protection from law enforcers and other officials.

According to Salvador, the “shabu tiange” operated by Cabijer has been placed under surveillance for the one month.

NBI covert operatives infiltrated the operation and found out how Cabijer operates the drug den. Inside the “tiange,” one table is designated for selling of shabu, another for paraphernalia, and the third table is where the sniffing session is held.

During the raid, NBI operatives caught several people sniffing drugs. Among them those arrested was Rey Barlisan, a security guard from Mandaue City.

Barlisan, however, said he was just in the area to look for boardinghouse when the raid was conducted.

“Kuyog mi sa kauban nako nga security guard kay nangita mi og balay didto dapita, wa gyud mi magsuyop, nahibulong na man me kay nagkagubot na, giapil man mi’g dakop,” Barlisan said.

Salvador said those arrested will be subjected to a drug test.

“We will be subjecting them to a drug test as a procedure pursuant to RA 9165 and we will charge them for being in a den that’s one case, and for those who will test positive of illegal drugs that’s another case,” Salvador added.

Salvador said Cabijer will be charged for maintaining a drug den, a non-bailable offense, selling, and possession of illegal drugs. — /FPL (FREEMAN)