Tondo barangay chairman’s son busted for drugs

MANILA, Philippines – The son of a barangay chairman in Tondo, Manila, was arrested Friday morning after P340,000 worth of illegal drugs, ammunition and a firearm were seized from him.

Police arrested Benedict Cortez, alias Jon-Jon, during the implementation of search warrant issued by Judge Carolina Sison of Branch 18 of the Manila Regional Trial Court.

The arrested suspect’s father, Ricardo Cortez, chairman of Barangay 228 in Tondo,  is a high value drug target and is currently at large.

Elements from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Regional Drug Enforcement Unit; Manila Police District (MPD), Special Weapons and Tactics; MPD Station 7 and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – NCR Regional Office implemented the search warrant at around 4a.m. in Barangay 228.

Seized from the younger Cortez were 50 grams of shabu with a street value worth P340,000, a shotgun rifle, live ammunition and drug-using paraphernalia.

Cortez is under police custody and will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.  (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)