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Unmask drug group that involve cops–Nartatez

February 6, 2023 Jane Eleda 308 views

CAMP BRIG. GEN. VICENTE P. LIM, Canlubang, Calamba City, Laguna – Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) Director Brig. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered an in-depth investigation into the involvement of active cops in Cavite in the illegal drug trade.

Nartatez issued the directive following the arrest of three Cavite policemen in a buy-bust operation that led to the confiscation of more than P1.4 million worth of shabu.

“I already directed the Cavite provincial director to immediately conduct follow-up operation and thorough investigation to unmask this drug group, which involves active police officers. I will never let them drag the image of the organization,” Nartatez said.

“This illegal act undermines our efforts to combat the drug problem in the country. Such actions are reprehensible and those involved must be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.

Suspects Cpl. Christian Arjul Dayrit Monteverde, 35; Staff Sgt. Tomas Celleza Dela Rea Jr., 34; Pat. Jeru Set, all assigned at the Dasmarinas City Police Station; and civilian Jorilyn Ambrad, 22, were arrested in a sting conducted in Bgy. Salittran 2, Dasmariñas City, Cavite on February 1.

Combined forces of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 4A, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Cavite Police Provincial Office, Dasmariñas City Police Station, Regional Intelligence Unit 4A, Provincial Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 4 and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Unit 4A launched the anti-drug operation following days of surveillance.

Monteverde, Dela Rea, and Ambrad were the first to be arrested in the entrapment while Magsalin was caught in a follow-up operation.

Seized from the four were some 210 grams of shabu valued at P1,431,600.

Also confiscated from the cop-suspects were their service firearms, ammunition for the guns, cellphones and various identification cards, including their PNP IDs.

Prior to the arrest, a confidential informant told authorities that an alias “Lian” and her cohorts are responsible in the proliferation of illegal drugs in Dasmariñas, Cavite and the adjacent cities and towns.

The Calabarzon top cop said he would never tolerate misfits and scalawags in the organization, especially if members of the PNP Calabarzon are involved.

“Members of law enforcement who have been involved in illegal drug trade must acknowledge the harm they have caused and take responsibility for their actions. It is never too late to make amends and turn towards a path of righteousness, and we encourage them to seek redemption and atone for their wrongdoing,” Nartatez said.

Charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition were filed against the arrested suspects before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Dasmariñas City.

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