Tricycle driver arrested in Pavia drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police arrested a tricycle driver during an anti-illegal drug operation late on Jan. 11 in Pavia, Iloilo.

The suspect, identified as alias Cruz, 29, a resident of Barangay Ungka 2, Pavia, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Balabag.

Operatives of the Pavia Municipal Police Station apprehended Cruz after he allegedly sold a sachet of shabu to an undercover officer.

Police said Cruz was found in possession of 13 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items.

The seized drugs weighed about 60 grams and had an estimated standard drug price of PHP 408,000.

Capt. Ritz Field Presquito, Pavia police chief, said the suspect is a newly identified high-value drug personality.

Presquito said Cruz is not listed in the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council database of illegal drug personalities.

Police said they learned of the suspect’s illegal drug activities through information provided by an asset.

A test-buy operation later confirmed Cruz’s alleged involvement in drug peddling, police added.

Cruz is currently detained and will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.