By Jennifer P. Rendon
Four individuals were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of July 17 in Pavia, Iloilo.
The suspects were identified as Anthony Lapag, 43, of Q. Abeto St., Mandurriao, Iloilo City; Eldon Molarte, 28, of Barangay Balabag, Pavia; Wycliff Molarte, 38, of Barangay Jereos, La Paz, Iloilo City; and Robert Arbatin, 23, of Barangay Cayus Pilar, Capiz.
Lapag, Eldon Molarte, and Wycliff Molarte were classified as high-value individuals, while Arbatin was classified as a street-level pusher.
Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, together with the Pavia Municipal Police Station, made the arrests after Lapag, Eldon Molarte, and Wycliff Molarte allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu for P12,000.
Police operatives recovered 16 more sachets of suspected shabu from the suspects, one of which was found in Arbatin’s possession. During a frisk, Wycliff Molarte was also found with a caliber .22 revolver.
The seized shabu weighed around 187 grams, with a standard drug price of P1,271,600.
The three main targets denied involvement in the illegal drug trade.
However, Eldon Molarte admitted that he was arrested for a drug-related offense in 2020 and released from jail the following year.
Arbatin claimed he uses illegal drugs but denied drug pushing, stating he had the drugs the night before the bust.
Arbatin will face charges for violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) for possession of illegal drugs.
The three other suspects will face stiffer charges related to the violation of RA 9165.
