Rider Caught With Marijuana, Shabu at Iloilo Checkpoint

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A motorcycle rider was arrested after being caught with suspected illegal drugs at a police checkpoint in Jaro, Iloilo City shortly after midnight on May 9.

Police identified the suspect only by his alias, Fermar, 25, of Barangay San Juan, Molo district.

Maj. Eduardo Siacon Jr., chief of Iloilo City Police Station 9, said Fermar came from the Ungka area when he encountered the COMELEC checkpoint in Barangay Dungon-A, Jaro.

Police grew suspicious when the rider slowed down and stopped several meters before the checkpoint.

“He appeared uneasy, so our officer stationed at the advance security area approached him and instructed him to proceed to the checkpoint,” Siacon said.

The rider hesitated again, prompting officers to ask for his driver’s license and the motorcycle’s official receipt and certificate of registration (OR-CR).

Fermar opened his bag to look for the documents, but police instead saw a resealable plastic containing dried marijuana leaves.

A subsequent frisk led to the discovery of more dried marijuana and suspected shabu.

Siacon said the marijuana weighed about 74.9 grams with a street value of PHP14,980, while the shabu weighed 2.8 grams worth PHP16,320.

Siacon said the suspect had no prior drug-related record.

He had worked as a call center agent until a little over a month ago.

Police said Fermar became involved in the drug trade after his boss instructed him to deliver illegal drugs to customers.

The suspect is now detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.