Coconut farmer arrested again in Capiz drug bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A coconut farmer was arrested Monday evening, July 13, in a drug buy-bust operation conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Presidente Roxas police in Barangay Poblacion, Presidente Roxas, Capiz.

Police identified the suspect as Jhon Peter Ordas, alias “Empoy,” 33, a resident of Barangay Aranguel, Presidente Roxas.

A police poseur-buyer allegedly purchased a sachet of suspected shabu from the suspect for PHP 1,500.

Police said they recovered three more sachets of suspected shabu from a black sling bag, along with several items of drug paraphernalia.

The seized suspected illegal drugs weighed about 5 grams and had an estimated street value of PHP 34,000, according to police.

Police said the suspect had been arrested in 2018 for the same offense and was later released after entering into a plea-bargaining agreement.

Authorities alleged that he returned to illegal drug activities a few months later.

The suspect remained in the custody of the Presidente Roxas police.

Police said charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, would be filed against him.