Trio arrested in P1.02-M Capiz drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three individuals were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the evening of August 9 in Roxas City, Capiz.

Menandro Bernabe, 41, of Barangay 11, Roxas City; Christian Apa-ap, 40, of Barangay Inzo Arnaldo Boulevard, Roxas City; and Joel Mesias, 56, of Barangay Balijuagan, Roxas City, were apprehended in a buy-bust operation at Banica village.

Members of the Capiz Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (CPPO-PDEU), along with the Roxas City Police Station, arrested the suspects after they allegedly sold suspected shabu worth P15,000.

Authorities seized 33 sachets of suspected shabu weighing around 150 grams with an estimated street value of P1,020,000.

Police records show that two of the three arrested suspects had previous drug-related arrests.

The CPPO-PDEU apprehended the suspects following an extensive surveillance operation.

The three suspects are now in custody and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, urged all police officers in the region to continue their aggressive anti-illegal drug campaign.

He also directed officers to target the sources and networks of individuals arrested for illegal drug activities.