By Jennifer P. Rendon
From being a “thief” to an “illegal drugs peddler.”
This was how 16-year-old Denden (real name withheld) evolved in his alleged criminal activity.
Denden was arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation morning of Oct 13, 2022 inside a computer cafe in Barangay San Isidro, Jaro, Iloilo City
Members of the Iloilo City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), together with personnel of Iloilo City Police Station 3, collared the teenage boy after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P1,100 to a police poseur buyer.
Recovered from him were nine sachets of suspected shabu, the marked money, and several non-drug items.
Lieutenant Marlon Perez of ICPO-CDEU said the seized drugs weighed around 10 grams and were valued at P70,000.
Perez said police began monitoring the teenager’s activity more than a month ago after his name came up on the barangay drug abuse council (BADAC)’s watchlist of drug personalities.
Denden was in the past arrested for theft and for joining a gang.
From being a gang member, he was able to establish his connection with a group from Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao.
“The suspect is not just a runner. Siya mismo ang kumukuha sa Balhaw at siya rin ang nagbebenta,” he said.
Denden allegedly used the computer shop, which was operating 24/7, to meet up with clients.
It was learned that the suspect has been out of school for years already but admitted that he’s sending his live-in partner to school.
Denden will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)
