Newly-released convicted drug peddler nabbed anew in P1.1-M shabu sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two months fresh out of jail, a 32-year-old man was collared anew for the same offense.

Jovien Betiwan alias Dagul was arrested at his home in Barangay Bungca, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo around 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 4.

Members of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) and Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station nabbed Betiwan after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P20,600.

When he was frisked, police operatives also seized 11 more sachets of suspected shabu.

The seized drugs weighed around 163 grams with a standard drug price value of P1,108,400.

Betiwan was arrested in a buy-bust operation in May 2014 and recently got out of jail.

But Lieutenant Cedrick Cruz, Barotac Nuevo police chief, said it did not take long for Betiwan to return to the illegal drug trade.

“We immediately monitored that he went back into drug pushing,” he said.

The Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) also confirmed Betiwan’s alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

Cruz said they monitored that the suspect was able to expand his connections following his incarceration.

Betiwan allegedly sourced his supply from another drug personality in Iloilo City.

The suspect is now detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).