The items seized from suspected drug peddler Jonel Gonzales in Kidapawan City who allegedly doubles as a fake asset of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and Philippine National Police. (PDEA-12 photo)
COTABATO CITY – Anti-narcotics operatives, backed by military personnel, arrested in Kidapawan City on Wednesday a suspected drug personality who allegedly doubles as a fake anti-narcotics civilian agent.
Kath Abad, the spokesperson of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Region 12, said the law enforcement operation was led by PDEA-Region 12 Director Naravy Duquiatan - together with elements of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion and the Kidapawan City police - around 4 a.m. in the house of Jonel Gonzales, 34, of Barangay San Isidro, Kidapawan City.
“He is a high-value target,” Abad said in a statement.
She said the suspect is a drug group member who presents himself in public as a law enforcement asset, even as he peddled illegal drugs in Kidapawan City and nearby towns in North Cotabato.
Confiscated during the search operation at his residence were nine grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) with an estimated market value of PHP 61,200, assorted drug paraphernalia, a .45-caliber pistol, and a pistol clip with eight ammunition.
The suspect is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms). He is currently being held at the Kidapawan City police detention facility. (PNA)
