5 drug suspects, including minor, nabbed in Marikina buy-busts

MANILA, Philippines – Five drug suspects, including a student and a minor, were arrested in separate buy-bust operations in Marikina City on Tuesday evening.

The Eastern Police District (EPD) reported Wednesday identified the student as Ethan Joshua Haboc, 24, of Arellano University.

The other suspects were identified as Kenneth Magpayo, 27, and live-in partners John Jefferson, 20, and Caira Gadian, 20. The minor was not named.

The police said the buy-bust operations stemmed from confidential information regarding the suspects’ illegal activities.

The operations were conducted in Barangays San Roque, Sta. Elena and Malanday.

Police seized 13 sachets of suspected shabu and P1,500 boodle money from the buy-bust operations.

The minor was turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while the other suspects were detained at the Marikina police detention cell.

They are facing charges for violating Republic Act 965 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, police said. /cbb