By Jennifer P. Rendon
A tricycle driver was detained following a coordinated police anti-illegal drug operation on the evening of March 11 in the City Proper district of Iloilo City.
The suspect, identified as Ricardo Rabusa, age 47, was apprehended at his residence in Zone 1, Barangay Tanza Esperanza.
A collaborative force comprising members of the Iloilo City Police Station 1, the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 6, the Highway Patrol Group, the ICPO-SWAT, and the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company conducted the sting.
The arrest occurred shortly after Rabusa allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu valued at P12,000.
A subsequent search by police operatives resulted in the discovery of 13 additional sachets of suspected shabu, a homemade break-type shotgun without a serial number loaded with a 12-gauge shotgun shell, two more 12-gauge shotgun shells, and various non-drug-related items.
Captain Roque Gimeno III, chief of ICPS1, reported that the confiscated drugs have an estimated weight of 67 grams and a street value of P455,600.
The tricycle driver was implicated in the illegal drug trade by another drug personality who was previously apprehended and identified Rabusa as their supplier.
Despite this, Rabusa has contested the claim that the seized shabu was found in his possession.
Gimeno noted that the operation to apprehend Rabusa spanned over a month of diligent investigative work.
Rabusa is currently in custody and will face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
