SEIZED. The recovered shabu items and firearms from arrested drug suspect Mark Macasarte, a former Army personnel, following a raid at his house by lawmen in Midsayap, North Cotabato on Thursday (Nov. 21, 2019). The raid resulted in the confiscation of PHP100,000 worth of shabu and other pieces of evidence. (Photo courtesy of Midsayap MPS)
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – Police and anti-narcotics operatives here arrested in a predawn raid Thursday a former soldier for drug peddling and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Lt. Colonel John Calinga, Midsayap police chief, said joint operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency–Region 12, the police’s Special Action Force, and members of the local police who were armed with a search warrant raided the house of Mark Macasarte, 44, in Barangay Bual Norte here.
“The 3 a.m. raid surprised Macasarte, a former Army corporal,” Calinga said.
Calinga said Macasarte’s home yielded 50 small sachets of shabu weighing 12 grams and with a street value of PHP100,000; a fragmentation grenade, three magazines for the M16 rifle, a 9mm pistol, and several bullets.
“Macasarte was kicked out of military service because of his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade,” Calinga added.
Macasarte, who was once detained for selling illegal drugs, was placed under surveillance for three weeks before Thursday’s law enforcement operation.
Currently detained at the Midsayap police custodial facility, Macasarte is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591, or Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives. (PNA)
