Cop nabbed for illegal drugs in Camarines Sur

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LEGAZPI CITY — A police officer was arrested on Monday, August 8, in a buy-bust operation in Ocampo town in Camarines Sur province, police said Tuesday, August 9.

Police Major Maria Luisa Calubquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said the suspect identified as Police Chief Master Sergeant Romeo Penolio Jr., 43, a resident of the said town, was arrested in Barangay (village) Hibago at around 7:30 a.m.

He was assigned at the Camarines Sur provincial police office.

The police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents confiscated 10 grams of suspected shabu (crystal meth) worth P68,000, a 9mm Glock 17 pistol with 28 live bullets, a motorcycle and other paraphernalia.

Calubaquib said before the operation, he was placed under surveillance for alleged involvement in illegal drugs and extorting cash from drug personalities for protection in the said town.

He was also involved in the illegal gambling activities in the towns of Sagñay and Ocampo, she said.
Police Colonel Bernardo Perez, Camarines Sur police chief, expressed his dismay on the involvement of a police officer in illegal activities.

“This must serve as a lesson to other personnel, if there are still any, who are still involved in nefarious activities. The long arm of the law will surely catch them and he will not tolerate any wrong-doings and the personnel involved must face the consequences of his action,” he said in a statement.

Penolio is now under the custody of PDEA Camarines Sur and will be facing administrative charges and criminal case for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

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