By Jennifer P. Rendon
Even peddling of illegal drugs has evolved and embraced the “new normal.”
In Cabatuan, Iloilo, two men were arrested in a police buy-bust operation evening of Sept 19, 2020.
Major Niño Leonard Amar, Cabatuan police chief, identified the suspects as Mayo Lacson, 62, a resident of Barangay Botong, Oton, Iloilo and Rene Boy Ginon, 34, of Barangay Canselayan, Murcia, Negros Occidental.
A police undercover agent transacted to buy shabu worth P10,000.
The suspects were later collared and yielded two sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P34,000, the P100 marked money, and P10,000 fake money.
“Their modus operandi is like a food delivery service. You place your order and they would deliver. No need for a meet-up or for the buyer to go to their place,” Amar said.
The Cabatuan police monitored the operation of Lacson even before the community quarantine. He reportedly travelled to Bacolod City to get his supply but got stranded following the lockdown.
Lacson failed to travel back to Iloilo because of the restriction imposed on elderly people. He managed to return later when the community quarantine rules were eased.
Prior to their arrest, the duo came from Bacolod City.
“They transported a considerable volume of shabu and made deliveries in other areas. What we recovered from them is what’s left of their supply,” Amar said.
The local police are still looking into the suspects’ previous involvement in other crimes.
Lacson admitted, though, that he used to be charged for theft.
Lacson and Ginon are now detained at Cabatuan Police Station and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
