• RITZY R. MALO-OY
Two high-valued individuals were arrested following a buy-bust operation, Tuesday afternoon in Iloilo City resulting in the recovery of close to P1 million worth of suspected shabu.
Joint elements of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) led by PLt. Col. Antonio Benitez Jr. with Police Stations 1, 2, and 4 apprehended for illegal drug violation, Rex Dela Peña and Jay Jalleto about 4:15 p.m. at Zone 2, Brgy. Baldoza, Lapaz, Iloilo City, in coordination with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).
Confiscated during the raid were the following: one sachet containing suspected shabu (buy-bust item), 12 sachets containing suspected shabu weighing approximately 145 grams with a standard drug price of P986,000,00, a cellphone, a weighing scale, drug paraphernalia, P12,000.00 buy-bust money, and P200.00 believed to be proceeds from the sale of “shabu.”
Other members of the operating team were Iloilo City Police Station 1 (ICPS) PCpt. Roque Gimenon III, ICPS4 led by PMaj. Marlyn Roquero and ICPS2 led by PLt. Greg Matutino.
Both are detained at the ICPS2 custodial facility, while charges for violation of section 5 (sale) and 11 (possession) of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are to be filed against them.
Earlier this month, three other persons were charged with Comelec gun ban and illegal drug violations.
Benitez, head of Iloilo City Drug Enforcement Unit in an interview with YCN identified the suspects as Glenn Yturiaga alias Bongbong, Ivan Palmejar, and Katrina Espinosa alias Kaye.
Yturiaga is facing criminal charges for illegal drugs, gun ban, and for resisting arrest; Palmejar is charged with violation of illegal drugs and resisting arrest, and Espinosa for illegal drugs.
Confiscated from them were: one 9 mm Taurus pistol with Serial no. TCM56982, one break type pistol loaded with one shotshell of a 12-gauge shotgun, a piece of magazine assembly, 6 pieces live ammunition of a 12-gauge shotgun, and one Grenade Hand Fragmentation H.E. M67.
The three suspects tested positive for illegal drugs and Yturiaga likewise tested positive for gunpowder following a paraffin test of his right hand.
Benitez, who was recently awarded the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (Heroism Award) by the Police Regional Office VI, warned those involved in the illegal drug trade that while he is in the position, he will not stop campaigning and operating against against it under the command of ICPO Director, PCol. Joeresty Coronica.*
