Duo falls in P1.4-M drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two persons were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation evening of Feb. 1 at Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City.

The suspects were identified as Robin de Asis, 28, of Barangay Tacas, Jaro and John Philip Lacuarta, 27, of Tabuc Sub village.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), together with the Iloilo City Police Station 3 and Regional Maritime Unit (RMU) 6, nabbed the duo after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P16,000.

Arresting police also seized from the two persons 12 more plastic sachets and two knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu, two motorcycles, and several non-drug items.

A caliber .38 revolver was also seized during the operation.

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez Jr., CDEU chief, said the seized drugs weighed around 208 grams and had an estimated standard drug price of P1,414,000.

Benitez said de Asis was the main target of the operation although both suspects are considered “high-value individuals” (HVIs).

De Asis was previously arrested also for a drug charge and for illegal possession of explosives.

The two had already squealed their source but police are still verifying the information. Jaro district is their area of operation.

The two suspects are now detained and would be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).