POLICE Regional Office (PRO) 11 Director Brigadier General Benjamin H. Silo Jr. yesterday announced the arrest of six known drug personalities in Southern Mindanao following two separate buy-bust operations, which led to the seizure of over P600,000 worth of shabu over the weekend.

In a report to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., the official said that four of the suspects led by one “Leonard,” a “high-value individual” (HVI) in Region 11 were arrested during a sting in Purok 9, Lower Baracatan in Toril District, Davao City around 4:20 p.m. Saturday.

Members of the Davao City Police Office Drug Enforcement Unit/Special Operations Group led by Major Reuben Libera led the operation, which resulted in the arrest of 48-year-old Leonard and his three accomplices.

Recovered from the possession of the suspects were four plastic sachets containing an estimated 22.5 grams of shabu valued at P360,000 and the P20,000 worth of buy-bust money topped by a marked P500 bill.

The two other suspects were arrested in an entrapment operation inside Dacudao Subdivision in Purok Centro 4, Bgy. Jose P. Laurel in Panabo City, Davao del Norte 11:25 p.m. Saturday, said Silo.

Local policemen recovered an estimated P40,000 worth of the so-called “poor man’s cocaine” and the buy-bust money from the duo. A white Nissan Navarra pickup driven by one of the suspects was also impounded by the local police.

All suspects are now facing charges for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, said Silo.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Alfred P. Dalizon