Alleged Duterte man nabbed for smuggling marijuana in Tabuk City

BAGUIO CITY – An alleged auditor of the Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte-National Executive Coordinating Committee (MRRD-NECC) was arrested on Friday for transporting almost half a million pesos worth of dried marijuana leaves to Tabuk City in Kalinga province.

The police intercepted Ronnel Tacata at the quarantine control checkpoint in Barangay (village) Bantay after receiving a tip that a red sedan was transporting illegal drugs from Buscalan village in Tinglayan town, also in Kalinga.

More than 3,900 grams of dried marijuana leaves with an estimated street value P468,000 were seized from Tacata’s vehicle, said Police Col. Radino Belly, Tabuk police chief.

Tacata presented an identification card naming him as MRRD-NECC auditor in Bulacan as well as a certification from the group’s national chairman.

Based on the itinerary of his travel documents, Tacata left Marilao town in Bulacan and proceeded to Buscalan before driving to Pinili town in Ilocos Norte to secure documents and records for a training and orientation program that was scheduled for MRRD-NECC’s Ilocos Norte members.

The police chief said they are still verifying if Tacata’s association with the Duterte support organization was authentic.

Belly said Tacata will remain at the Tabuk City police station until a commitment order is issued for his transfer. The suspect is facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 (the Dangerous Drugs Act). KIMBERLIE QUITASOL

CFC