Ex-convict, cohort nabbed for possession of P1.8-M shabu

CEBU CITY, Philippines – He never learned his lesson.

A man who has been jailed twice for frustrated murder and illegal drugs possession cases was again arrested by the police early Friday morning, Dec. 28 for possession of P1.8 million worth of suspected drugs.

Jefferson “Jepjep” Gallarde,47, was arrested in a joint buy-bust operation by the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) in his residence in Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

Police also nabbed his cohort Eutemio Hervas, 42.

Both Gallarde and Hervas are residents of sitio Hervas, Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

Senior Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos, PDEU chief, said Gallarde was detained in 2007 for attempting to kill a retired Army officer but was released from detention a year after.

He was again jailed in 2010 for drugs distribution and possession but was released in 2012 after posting bail.

Batobalonos said they placed Gallarde under surveillance for almost a month after they received information that he has resumed his illegal drugs activities.

Police seized 38 sachets containing suspected shabu weighing a total of 270 grams and one large pack of dried marijuana leaves of still undetermined amount during the bust.

Police also recovered the marked P2,500 buy bust money and another P5,000 cash believed to be proceeds from Gallarde’s illegal drugs business. Also seized from the suspect was a 9 mm Ingram machine pistol with magazine, seven live bullets, drug repacking paraphernalia, one black sling bag and a digital weighing scale. /muf