Three arrested in Roxas City drug raid

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Three individuals were arrested Saturday night, Oct. 3, during an operation at an alleged drug den in Sitio Pamumbungan, Barangay Milibili, Roxas City.

Authorities identified the suspects as Dax Baes, 54, the subject of the operation; Elmer Batilaran, 46, a construction worker; and Allen Lajo, 30, a laborer, all residents of the barangay.

Recovered from the suspects were seven sachets of suspected shabu weighing a combined 10 grams, with a standard drug price of PHP 60,000; foil strips; a roll of aluminum foil; a lighter; PHP 500 in buy-bust money; and a cellphone.

Authorities said Baes was allegedly engaged in illegal drug activities in the barangay.

Baes strongly denied involvement in the illegal drug trade and ownership of the recovered items.

Lajo, however, admitted using illegal drugs but denied selling them.

The operation was jointly conducted by personnel from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) units in Antique and Capiz, RSIU and MARPSTA around 10 p.m.

The suspects are under the custody of PDEA-Capiz while charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, are being prepared.