Three, including two kins, fall in ‘drug den’ raid

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Three persons, including two cousins, were arrested in a buy-bust operation at Purok Lubi, Barangay 3 here last Monday.

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Negros Occidental raided a house allegedly maintained as a drug den by the subject identified as Ernie Catahay.

PDEA agent Bamboo also identified two visitors as Murillo cousins – Michael and Birgo, while their other companion is at large.

Agent Bamboo said the escapee managed to jump out the window while the operatives were approaching Catahay’s house.

“Eskinita abi gin lumpatan niya, damo lutsan,” he added.

Recovered from Catahay were 12 grams of suspected shabu worth P81,600, the P500 marked money, an improvised tooter, and lighters.

Agent Bamboo said they can be considered high value individuals.

He also said that Birgo had a previous case for theft.

The operation was conducted after almost two weeks of casing and surveillance, according to Agent Bamboo.

Catahay was charged for sale, illegal possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia, and maintenance of an alleged drug den, while the two cousins were charged for visiting an alleged drug den.