Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) yesterday arrested 11 persons in two separate anti-illegal drug operations in the cities of Cebu and Talisay.
At around 5 a.m., 10 persons were arrested at an alleged drug den in barangay Tangke in Talisay City.
The NBI seized 243 sachets of suspected shabu, a .38 magnum revolver and several illegal drug paraphernalia.
Arrested were Michael Padillo, the subject of the buy-bust operation, and nine other persons, including a 17-year old boy, who denied involvement in any illegal activity.
NBI-7 Regional Director Max Salvador said the suspects will undergo drug test.
If found positive of illegal drug use, he said the NBI-7 will file charges against the suspects for using dangerous drugs and another case for “visiting a drug den,” a violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
At around 10 a.m., another raid was conducted in barangay Calamba, Cebu City.
The NBI-7 arrested Roberto “Gringo” Escopete. His companion, Niño Ramas eluded arrest.
The agents recovered from Ramas’ house two firearms and a pack of suspected shabu.
Escopete and Ramas were the subjects of a search warrant issued by Judge Wilfredo Navarro of the Regional Trial Court Branch 19.
The two suspects were purportedly involved in selling illegal drugs in the area.
Escopete denied selling illegal drugs. He alleged that the pack of shabu taken from him was planted by the NBI-7 agents.
The suspects are presently detained at the NBI-7 stockade.