BUSTED. Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Region 12 conduct an inventory of the seized illegal drugs and other pieces of evidence from an alleged “drug den” in Barangay San Isidro, General Santos City in an operation on Thursday (Jan. 21, 2021). The source or shabu supplier of the den was later arrested in a follow-up operation in Barangay Dadiangas North. (Photo courtesy of PDEA-12)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Anti-drug operatives dismantled an alleged “drug den” and recovered around PHP163,000 worth of suspected shabu in separate raids in two villages here on Thursday.
Kath Abad, spokesperson of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12, said Friday the operation resulted in the arrest of two drug personalities, one of them tagged as a supplier, and nine users.
She said the “drug den” was discovered following a buy-bust in Purok Masagana, Barangay San Isidro around 12:20 a.m. that targeted suspected pusher Jhayr Olar, 31.
During the transaction, she said the suspect sold a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover agent, leading to his arrest.
In a subsequent search of Olar’s house, Abad said the operatives arrested five persons after being caught in the act of using shabu.
They were identified as Edcel Bercasio, 26; Edwin Anim, 25; Kenneth Lloyd Manansala, 21; Jericho Flores, 19; and, Ronaidalyn Mariano, 21.
Recovered at the house were various drug paraphernalia and assorted sachets of suspected shabu weighing a combined 13 grams and worth PHP88, 400.
During the investigation, Abad said Olar, who was tagged as the “drug den maintainer,” identified a certain John Moraga alias “Jan-jan,” 24, as his source or shabu supplier.
“We verified the information and immediately planned a follow-up operation targeting Moraga,” she told reporters.
Around 3 p.m., a PDEA-12 agent transacted with the suspect that led to another raid on a house in Barangay Dadiangas North.
Aside from Moraga, the operatives arrested his alleged cohorts inside the house identified as Troy Benigno Bangoy, 43; Salvador Carmona, 38; John Bismarck Parcon, 29; and, Roland Panerio, 35.
Recovered at the house were some 11 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP74, 800, and various drug paraphernalia.
Abad said Moraga was previously arrested and jailed for a drug-related offense but was freed after availing of the plea bargaining agreement.
She said the suspects will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
