ILOILO CITY — The first anti-drug operations of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) this year resulted to the apprehension of a barangay official of Badiangan town in Iloilo province Wednesday afternoon.
Three sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu, a Smith and Wesson Revolver, CZ 75 D Compact pistol, an Armscor shotgun and several ammunition were recovered from the house of 44-year old Barangay Sinuagan Councilor George Tamagos Vasquez. Also arrested was Gorro Estribor, 34, his alleged helper.
PDEA Western Visayas acting regional director Wardley M. Getalla said that Vasquez voluntary surrendered during the “OplanTokhang” of the Philippine National Police but returned to his illegal drug activities. He was placed under surveillance for a few weeks prior to his arrest.
The suspects are now facing charges for violation of Section 5 (Selling) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and violation of RA 10195 for the illegal possession of firearms, said PDEA information officer David Garcia. (Perla Lena/PNA)