Antique also scores big in illegal drugs

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A jobless individual was detained during a narcotics search on the afternoon of March 8 in San Jose, Antique.

The operation not only uncovered illegal drugs but also a firearm in the possession of Raymond Juala, who resides in Purok 1, Barangay 5 of San Jose.

The San Jose Municipal Police Station, along with the Antique Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (APPO-PDEU) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) – Antique, executed the search warrant at Juala’s residence.

They confiscated 21 sachets of suspected shabu, a .45 caliber pistol, and various drug-related paraphernalia.

The narcotics recovered weighed approximately 105 grams, with an estimated street value of P714,000.

Juala’s capture marks a notable achievement in Antique province’s fight against illegal drugs, following a period of inactivity in the campaign, with no operations reported in some previous months.

Last week, out of 40 regional operations, none were attributed to the Antique police’s efforts.

Juala reportedly had a history of drug-related offenses. In July 2019, he and two associates were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Angel, San Jose. He was later released on a plea bargaining agreement.

His arrest sparked controversy when he accused the police of evidence tampering and excessive force.

Photographs circulated showing Juala and another individual with bruises on their eyes and bodies.

However, the police maintained that the injuries resulted from the need to subdue them as they resisted arrest. At the time of his previous arrest, Juala was also found in possession of a handgun.