Pals nabbed in Pototan drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two men were arrested in a police anti-illegal drug operation afternoon of September 26 at Pototan, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects as Kenneth Jaime Demandante, 28, and Bryden Begota, 32, both residents of Barangay Tubungan, Barotac Nuevo town.

Demandante and Begota allegedly connived in selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P7,200 to police poseur-buyers in a feeder road at Barangay Cato-ogan, Pototan.

Major Roy Tayona, Pototan police chief, said seven more sachets were seized from Demandante.

The suspected drugs weighed around 18 grams and were valued at P122,400.

Tayona said Demandante has been monitored to be peddling shabu in the towns of Pototan, Barotac Nuevo, and Dumangas.

He had no prior arrest, unlike Begota who was arrested for illegal drug possession.

Tayona said they are checking the disposition of Begota’s case.

The duo allegedly sourced their supply from Jaro, Iloilo City.

They also admitted to using illegal drugs.

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