Ex-convict nabbed in P1-M drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An ex-convict is back in jail after he was arrested with more than P1 million worth of illegal drugs in a police anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of June 9 in City Proper, Iloilo City.

Gilbert Sumudivila, 39, was arrested at his home in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala 2, City Proper.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Station 1, along with the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, Iloilo City DEU, Iloilo City Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, and the Regional Highway Patrol Unit (RPHU) 6, apprehended the suspect after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P15,000.

Authorities seized 11 more sachets and two knotted plastic packs of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items.

Captain Roque Gimeno III, ICPS1 chief, stated that the seized shabu weighed around 150 grams, with an estimated street value of P1,020,000.

Sumudivila had previously been arrested and incarcerated for a drug-related offense. He was released after availing of a plea bargaining agreement.

For around a year, he had been under surveillance after authorities suspected he had resumed illegal drug activities.

Gimeno said the suspect sourced his supply from several sources and was the main distributor of illegal drugs in his village and neighboring barangays.

Sumudivila is now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.