Scrap buyer nabbed in Roxas drug bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A scrap buyer was arrested in a police drug buy-bust operation late Friday afternoon, June 5, in Barangay Tiza.

The Capiz Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit arrested John Marwin Artillerio, 32, outside his house in Malipayon Village, Barangay Tiza.

Police said they recovered five plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing 15 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 100,000.

Operatives also seized PHP 4,500 in buy-bust money.

Police said Artillerio became emotional while being handcuffed by operatives.

He denied ownership of the items but admitted using the illegal substance, police said.

Police records showed that Artillerio had a previous Violence Against Women and Children case in the barangay.

He is 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, will be filed against him Monday, June 8, before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

RA 9165 penalizes the possession, sale and use of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu.