Trike driver nabbed in PHP 748,000 drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A tricycle driver was arrested in another anti-narcotics operation late Wednesday, July 8, in Molo, Iloilo City.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Randy,” 48, was arrested in a buy-bust operation at his house in Zone 1, Barangay Boulevard, Molo.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations Unit 6, Iloilo Maritime Police Station, ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics Team, and Iloilo City Police Station 4, apprehended the suspect after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 7,100.

Police operatives also seized 19 more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items from the suspect’s possession.

Capt. Roque Gimeno III, ICPO-CDEU chief, said the seized shabu weighed around 110 grams and had a standard drug price of PHP 748,000.

Gimeno said it was Randy’s first drug-related arrest.

He said the suspect had been the subject of surveillance for weeks following complaints from residents about his alleged illegal drug activities.

Several drug peddlers also pointed to the suspect as one of their sources of illegal drugs, Gimeno said.

Gimeno said the suspect also sourced his supply from two other drug personalities based in Molo district.

Randy is detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

RA 9165 penalizes the sale, possession, transportation, and distribution of dangerous drugs and controlled substances in the country.