Published February 12, 2021, 11:47 AM
DUMAGUETE CITY (PNA) – Police and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives in Negros Oriental have dismantled a “drug den”, seized more than PHP80,000 worth of suspected shabu, and arrested five suspects during a joint operation in Barangay Taclobo here.
A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) on Thursday said the suspects were identified as Noel Butanas, 50; Joshua Butanas, 28; Jayber Vilos, 25; Shazmel Jucom, 43; and Jocelyn Butanas, 49.
They were arrested during a buy-bust Wednesday night on Gov. Larena Drive in Purok Ladrico 1, Barangay Taclobo, which resulted in the dismantling of an alleged drug den, reportedly operated by a certain Noel Butanas.
(Customs NAIA / MANILA BULLETIN)
The seized bottles of liquid marijuana were misdeclared as “Dietary Supplements”, with different consignees. The fraudulent attempt to smuggle the subject prohibited drugs was prevented thru strict profiling of the assigned Customs Examiner, and conduct of 100% physical examination. Subsequent, PDEA Chemical Laboratory Test confirmed that the seized packages contained liquid cannabis.
PDEA stresses that the importation of marijuana of any variety and form, including derivatives thereof, is prohibited under R.A. 9165 also known as the “The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act”.
All seized packages were turned over to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for further investigation and case build up against persons responsible for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (Republic Act 9165) in relation to Sections 118 (Prohibited Importation), 1113 (Goods Liable for Seizure and Forfeiture) and 1401 (Unlawful Importat