By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two Ati-Atihan merrymakers were arrested after being caught with illegal drugs at a pedestrian screening area during the festival.
The suspects were identified as alias “Steve,” 32, of Barangay Jumarap, Banga, Aklan, and Joseph, 29, of Barangay Pajarito, Jaro, Iloilo City.
Both were apprehended at Pedestrian Screening Area 7 along Rizal Street, Poblacion, Kalibo, for possession of suspected marijuana.
Steve, a seafarer, was arrested around 5:05 p.m. on Saturday after a body search revealed a transparent plastic box containing suspected dried marijuana in the right front pocket of his denim pants.
Joseph was found with suspected dried marijuana leaves and seeds wrapped in masking tape and placed inside a black coin purse.
A broken glass tube containing burnt marijuana leaves, kept in a transparent plastic container, was also confiscated from Joseph.
Joseph denied using illegal drugs and claimed the marijuana was not his, alleging that one of his companions might have planted the items in his coin purse.
Meanwhile, Steve reportedly admitted to trying marijuana under peer pressure.
Both suspects will face charges for possession of illegal drugs under Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In addition, Joseph will face a separate charge under Section 12, Article II of RA 9165 for possession of drug paraphernalia.
