Kin of arrested drug suspect claims ‘evidence planting’

By: Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The family of Noe Bitoon who was arrested Monday afternoon in a drug buy-bust operation claimed that the suspected shabu recovered from him were “planted” by operatives.

The family denied that Bitoon continued selling drugs upon release from police custody due to a plea bargaining agreement few months ago.

The buy-bust operation was conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Unit of the Capiz Police Provincial Office at Costa Verde in Barangay Cagay here.

Bitoon, 39, is a resident of Barangay Tanque Ilaya here.

Recovered from the suspect were 49 sachets of suspected shabu, the P500 marked money, P120 cash, and a motorcycle. Police valued the seized illegal drugs at P36,000.

The suspect was arrested on Jan 25, 2018 for the same offense. But he was released through plea bargaining agreement.

Police Lt. Mark Anthony Garcia, PDEU head, vehemently denied the claims of the Bitoon family saying the suspect returned to the illegal drug trade after his release.

Garcia said the suspect used Facebook Messenger in dealing with buyers.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) was filed against Bitoon Wednesday morning before the Roxas City Prosecutor’s Office.