Man arrested with PHP 2.3 million drugs in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police arrested a man with a history of prior arrests during a drug buy-bust operation Thursday night, Jan. 8, in Barangay Dumolog, Roxas City.

Police identified the suspect as Jeric Clarito y Besa, 43, a resident of the barangay and classified as a high-value individual.

Authorities said Clarito has previously been jailed several times for various offenses.

The operation was conducted at about 10:09 p.m. by the Roxas City Police Station’s Special Drug Enforcement Team, led by Police Capt. Alladen Talaban, with support from the Regional Intelligence Unit and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency of the Capiz Police Provincial Office.

Police recovered five large sachets of suspected shabu and buy-bust money amounting to PHP 35,000, including boodle money.

The seized illegal drugs were valued at PHP 2,380,000 based on the standard drug price.

Barangay Dumolog Punong Barangay Stephen Medina confirmed that Clarito was listed by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council and is a resident of the area.

Medina said Clarito failed to attend monthly meetings for drug surrenderers, citing work commitments as his reason.

The village chief said Clarito, whose wife is working abroad, was often seen in Barangay Punta Tabuc, which police have previously identified as a hotspot for illegal drug activity in the city.

Medina said Clarito was first arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in 2019 and was later released after availing of a plea bargaining agreement.

He said Clarito was again arrested in December for possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“Wala gid ako nagkulang sa tanan nga drug surrenderee nga untaton na ang ila nga bisyo bangud sa tuyo nga mangin drug-cleared na ang amon barangay,” Medina said.

He said he was surprised by the large quantity of illegal drugs recovered from the suspect.

Clarito is currently under the custody of the Roxas City Police Station.

Police said charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared against him.