By Jennifer P. Rendon
Illegal drugs and firearms were seized during a search operation early morning of June 1 at Janiuay, Iloilo.
Cezar Mateo, 36, a lumpia wrapper distributor, was roused from his sleep when police knocked on his home at Captain Tirador Street, Janiuay, at around 4 a.m. on Thursday.
Members of Janiuay Municipal Police Station, together with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit (IPPO-PIU) and 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, served Search Warrant No. 23-18 to Mateo for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) against the suspect.
Judge Gemalyn Faunillo-Tarol of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 76, Janiuay, Iloilo issued the search warrant on May 29, 2023.
Operatives recovered from Mateo’s house around six grams of suspected shabu worth P40,800.
Police also seized a caliber .45 pistol, a magazine, six live ammunitions and four caliber .45 ammo cartridges, and two black holsters.
Captain Alwin Salmon said the suspect was arrested before for violation of RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
He said they’re checking on the status of his case.
Recently, police got information that the suspect was also into drug peddling. A test buy was conducted where police confirmed that he was into the illegal drug trade.
Salmon surmised that Mateo could be getting his supply from different sources.
Mateo is now detained and will be charged for violation of RA 9165 and RA 10591.
