Laborer faces charges for PHP1-M illegal drugs, firearm

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A laborer has been charged with violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) after authorities confiscated around P1 million worth of suspected illegal drugs and an unlicensed firearm in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mongpong, Roxas City, on Wednesday morning, Sept. 4, 2024.

The charges were filed against John Lester, 28, also known as “Jan-Jan,” of Barangay New Road, Banica, Roxas City, before the City Prosecutor’s Office on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 5.

Police seized 11 sachets of suspected shabu valued at P918,000, P11,000 in marked buy-bust money, various drug paraphernalia, a homemade 12-gauge shotgun with a magazine, and three live rounds of ammunition.

PCapt. Ryan Inot, team leader of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), said it took a month of monitoring and surveillance before the operation.

Several concerned individuals had reported the suspect’s illegal activities to the police.

Authorities identified the suspect as a high-value target who had reportedly been using illegal drugs since he was 15 years old.

According to the police, the suspect was asked by a certain Renante to deliver an item in exchange for payment.

Police are currently verifying the suspect’s background and connections to other individuals involved in the illegal trade. He is now under the custody of RDEU-6 for proper disposition.