Cavite lawmaker’s grandson nabbed for drugs in compound

MANILA, Philippines–A grandson of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. was arrested and a still undetermined amount of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) and drug paraphernalia were seized in a raid conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Dasmarinas, Cavite, on Friday.

NBI antidrugs unit head Eric Isidoro said Harrel Barzaga Gatuz, 39, was collared along with four unidentified companions inside the suspect’s residence at the Barzaga compound in Pasong Lawin.

A warrant was issued by a local court to search the compound, Isidro said.

Sniffing shabu

According to the NBI agent, the raid was conducted following surveillance of Barzaga after information and complaints were received about the alleged illegal drug trade being run in the suspect’s residence.

Isidoro said Barzaga was operating a drug den and venue for sniffing shabu.

Apart from possession of illegal drugs, Barzaga will be charged with child abuse after one of those caught using shabu was found to be a

minor.