NBI readies charges against 8 persons in P1.5 million drug raid in Talamban

CHARGES are set to be filed today against eight persons who were arrested for allegedly peddling illegal drugs in barangay Talamban, Cebu City.

The suspects were arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in a buy-bust operation inside Johnlito Mayol’s Monday afternoon.

The agents seized about 300 grams of shabu whose street value is pegged at P1.5 million.

Also confiscated were ammunition, lighters and other drug paraphernalia.

Mayol, 47; Romeo Baylo, 50; Arche Cabrilos, 33; Junrey Ancero, 31; Ferdinand Jugadora, 38; Christopher Dizon, 28; Jonathan Cortes; and Analyn Roa, 33 will be facing a complaint for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office.

Baylo will also face charges of illegal possession of firearms for keeping a homemade 9mm sub-machine gun.

NBI-7 Director Antonio Pagatpat yesterday said the suspects conspired with each in maintaining a drug den in Talamban, Cebu City.

“So far, the shabu which we confiscated last Monday was the most in terms of volume for this year,” he said.

Pagatpat said the operation was their response to Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama’s challenge to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs.

He said the NBI-7 won’t stop running after persons who are part in the operation of illegal drugs.

“I warn those involved in illegal drugs, they have time to stop what they are doing. Illegal drugs won’t bring about anything good. There are no legal nor moral justifications to use, sell, or manufacture illegal drugs,” Pagatpat said.

He said Mayol’s residence was known as a drug den in Talamban.

“The illegal drug business is public knowledge in the place. In fact, there was a signage outside the house which states ‘Parking Area For Shabu Users Only’,” Pagatpat said.

The NBI-7 had been conducting surveillance operations on Mayol’s residence.

NBI-7 Agent Bernard dela Cruz, the leader of last Monday’s operation, said the suspects were responsible for selling illegal drugs to some students in a private university in Talamban as well as some habal-habal and taxi drivers.

“The suspects’ illegal drug operation network is quite wide. They have been operating in the place for quite a long time,” Dela Cruz said.

During last Monday’s operation, a poseur buyer transacted with the suspects. When the transaction was consummated, the agents arrived and arrested the suspects who tried to escape.

Mayol refused to comment, saying it will be their lawyer who shall answer for them.