BUTUAN CITY – The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) has reported the arrest of a member of a notorious drug syndicate operating in Agusan del Sur.
In a statement Tuesday, PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr. identified the suspect as Lolita L. Maniego, alias "Daday", 57, a resident of San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and a member of Berdera Drug Group.
“Maniego was arrested in a raid conducted by Agusan del Norte Police Provincial Office (ADSPPO) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday evening in her residence,” Caramat said.
Seized from the suspect were 11 heat-sealed sachets containing suspected shabu with an estimated value of PHP129,800.
The raiding team also confiscated transparent cellophane containing three grams of dried marijuana leaves.
“The operation was conducted by virtue of search warrant no. 2021-13 issued on May 21, 2021 by the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur,” Caramat said.
He added that Maniego is listed as a high-value individual on the "Regional Priority Target on Illegal Drugs".
Caramat said the head of Berdera Drug Group and two other members were also arrested by the joint operatives of PRO-13, PDEA and police operatives from Davao Region in a buy-bust operation on May 30, 2021 in Barangay Pangutusan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.
He identified the head of the drug syndicate arrested as Novelyn Berdera, a resident of Barangay Wasian, Rosario, Agusan del Sur and her companions as Marky Cajes Berdera and Willmar Viscaya.
The three yielded 45 grams of shabu worth PHP450,000 during the operation.
“All the arrested suspects will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” Caramat said. (PNA)
