Four high-value drug suspects arrested in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Authorities arrested four people classified as high-value drug targets during a buy-bust operation Saturday afternoon, Aug. 1, in Barangay Punta Tabuc.

Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Aklan and Capiz conducted the operation with other law enforcement units at Sitio Cassandra Railway at about 4:46 p.m.

Authorities identified the primary suspect as Rhalpher Jamilla, 43, of Barangay 9 in Roxas City.

PDEA alleged that Jamilla maintained the suspected drug den.

Authorities said Jamilla had previously evaded operations conducted against him.

Three other suspects were identified as Marlyn Caputero, 41, of Barangay Ondoy in Ivisan; Mark Balbino, 32, of Barangay Dayao in Roxas City; and Romeo Delfin, 43, of Barangay Cudian in Ivisan.

PDEA alleged that the three were visiting the suspected drug den when the operation took place.

A police officer acting as a buyer purchased a sachet of suspected shabu during the operation.

Authorities recovered several sachets containing suspected shabu, drug residue, and drug paraphernalia from the site.

Operatives also recovered three sachets of suspected shabu from Jamilla but reported finding no illegal drugs on the three other suspects.

Authorities seized nine sachets containing about 15 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 102,000.

They also recovered PHP 500 in marked money, disposable lighters, strips and a roll of aluminum foil, improvised glass tooters, an improvised straw scoop, a belt bag, a Mentos container, scissors, and PHP 456 in cash.

Police have described Sitio Cassandra Railway as an area where illegal drug transactions have frequently been reported.

The suspects remained in the custody of the Roxas City Police Station.

Authorities said complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, would be filed against them Monday, Aug. 3.