6 held in Zambales ‘drug den’

Authorities seized Tuesday at least 23 sachets of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth), three sachets of suspected marijuana, and ammunition in an alleged drug den in Iba town, Zambales province. (Photo courtesy of Zambales police)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — An alleged drug den in the capital town of Iba was dismantled and six people were arrested Tuesday.

Col. Romano Cardiño, provincial police director, said one of the suspects was Mark Kevin Calimlim, 25, who sold a sachet of suspected “shabu” (crystal meth) worth P500 to an undercover agent.

Cardiño said Calimlim claimed that Reynante Patano, 50, ordered him to sell the illegal drugs. Patano is reportedly a member of the Buela Drug Group.

Police were then led to the drug den at the Gomez Compound in Barangay Sta. Barbara at 12:05 a.m.

Patano and Calimlim were immediately arrested together with Arturo Gomez, 54, the alleged owner of the compound, and Ronielyn Soriano, 32, who was previously arrested for allegedly selling illegal drugs.

Two of their customers identified as Romnic Gomez, 39, and Prima Sumanpil, 44, were also arrested.

At least 22 more sachets containing suspected shabu worth P50,000 and marijuana worth P3,000 were confiscated from the suspects.

The police also seized ammunition from the suspects.

The suspects will be charged with violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. INQ

LZB