Butcher nabbed in illegal drug bust

Mermel Ballon of Brgy. Mongpong, Roxas City (left) and Daryl Albay of President Roxas, Capiz were nabbed in two drug buy-busts. (Photos courtesy of Radyo Bandera Roxas)

By Felipe V. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A 44-year-old butcher was arrested in a drug buy-bust operation Monday night at Sitio Swa in Poblacion, President Roxas, Capiz.

Recovered from Mermel Ballon were 4 sachets of suspected shabu, P500 marked money, a wallet with P3,000 cash and a hat.

The operation was conducted by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Pilar PNP, Pontevedra PNP and President Roxas Municipal Police Station.

Ballon was first arrested for the same offense in 2013 but he was released through plea bargaining agreement.

The suspect denied he was into illegal drug trade but admitted to using illegal drugs.

Meanwhile, another drug suspect was arrested Tuesday noon in another drug bust conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Agency in Brgy. Mongpong here.

Recovered from Daryl Albay, 31, were two sachets of suspected shabu and P2,000 marked money.

Ballon is presently detained at President Roxas police station while Albay is at the Roxas City police station.

Charges for violations of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are being prepared against the two suspects.