P1.2M shabu seized; 8 persons arrested

At least P1.2-million worth of illegal drugs was confiscated and eight persons were arrested during three separate anti-illegal drug operations on Friday in Pinamungajan, southwestern Cebu; Mandaue City; and Argao town, southern Cebu.

Police scored big in Pinamungajan town when they arrested Christopher Sacristan, 41, of Alaska Mambaling, Cebu City and his cohort Alexander Bacalso, 24, of C. Padilla St., Cebu City during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Tubod, Barangay Poblacion.

Police confiscated several sachets and five large packs of suspected shabu weighing 105 grams with an estimated value of P1.239 million.

Insp. Gilfred Baroman of Pinamungajan Police Station described Sacristan as a level 3 drug pusher, who can dispose of 100 grams of shabu in 2 days.

Baroman said they arrested Bacalso as he handed over a pack of suspected shabu worth P200 to an undercover policeman.

Sacristan ran inside his rented house and exited at the back door to escape but was foiled by policemen who had already surrounded the house.

Baroman said they had been watching the suspects, who get their supply of illegal drugs in Cebu City and sell them in the town while visiting their relatives there.

On the same day, in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City, police arrested three men and a woman and confiscated several sachets of suspected shabu worth at least P20,000.

Senior Insp. Janelito Marquez of the Anti-Illegal Drug Special Operations Task Group (CAIDSOTG) said one of the suspects, Christopher Diano, 30, was identified as a motorcycle thief as well as a level 2 drug pusher.

Marquez said Diano could dispose of at least 200 grams a week.

Diano’s cohorts, who were present during the buy-bust operation, were also arrested. They are Gary Rabutan, 32; Jacob Manatad, 25; and Ulyn Ceniza, 39, all residents of Zone Ube, Barangay Paknaan.

Marquez said a motorcycle engine was recovered from Diano’s house.

Another anti-drug operation on the same day in Barangay Talaga, Argao town, led to the arrest of Brigoli Gelbolingo, 41, and a certain Carlos of Barangay Talaga. They were caught with several sachets of suspected shabu in their possession.