ORMOC CITY-An air-conditioning cleaner was arrested after a police K9 detected suspected shabu in his luggage during routine paneling operations at Sta. Clara Port in Brgy. Jubasan, Allen in Northern Samar on Tuesday morning, December 2.
Police identified the suspect as alias “Leo,” 23, single, and a resident of Isabel, Leyte.
Authorities from the Allen Municipal Police Station, in coordination with PDEA-8’s Special Investigation Unit and the Coast Guard K9 team, were conducting joint inspections of passenger baggage at around 8:20 a.m. when a K9 dog alerted operatives by sitting beside the suspect’s luggage.
A search, conducted in the presence of mandatory witnesses, resulted in the confiscation of two sachets of suspected shabu, an empty sachet with suspected residue, eight pieces of aluminum foil, a matchbox labeled “Fuego,” a backpack, and a sling bag.
Police said the seized drugs weighed approximately 0.53 grams with an estimated Dangerous Drugs Board value of P3,604.00.
The suspect was informed of the reason for his arrest and his constitutional rights in a language he understood, authorities added.
Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, have been filed before the City Prosecutor’s Office. The suspect is now detained at the Allen Municipal Police Station’s lockup facility.
(ROBERT DEJON)
