CEBU CITY – Elements of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) on Wednesday arrested a farmer who sold a kilo of dried leaves of locally-grown marijuana to a poseur buyer during a buy-bust operation in an upland village here.
Lt. Col. Randy Caballes, head of the CCPO intelligence unit, said the suspect identified as Joel Dacumos Cabiles, 43, of Barangay Climaco, Toledo City, was arrested in the hinterland village of Malubog in this capital city.
Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Central Visayas conducted the sting operation after the CCPO intelligence unit received a report about Cabiles’ illegal activities.
The seized marijuana leaves weighing one kilogram have an estimated value of PHP120,000, Caballes said.
The suspect admitted selling the marijuana leaves, saying that he would use the earnings to support his father who has a serious ailment.
“Para makagasto sa akong amahan. Bag-o pa mi nakagawas sa hospital. Makatabang-tabang para palit pampers (diaper), ug iyang mga tambal (For the support of my father. We’ve just got out of the hospital. He needs help for his diaper and medicines),” Cabiles told the local media in an interview.
The suspect is facing charges in violation of Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
