Eight suspected drug pushers, users nabbed
Eight persons involved in illegal drug activities were arrested Tuesday evening by anti-narcotics agents in a wake at Brgy. Bakhaw in Mandurriao district, one of Iloilo City’s drug havens.
The suspects, who were holding a “pot session,” were identified as Ramil Buenavista, Arnold Rafer, Raven Piodena, Lester John Guevara, Alvin Navarro, Jonathan Pallejeno, Benjie Barreda, and Elrey Roberto.
Before their arrest, two poseur-buyers were able to purchase a sachet of shabu from Buenavista, a resident of Bakhaw village.
Rafer was also found possessing illegal drugs.
Paul Ledesma, head of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 6, said they raided the area after they received information that a number of unfamiliar faces attended a wake in the village.
It is believed that the wake served as a cover to the illegal drug trade and use in Brgy. Bakhaw.
During the operation, the PDEA 6 agents were joined by operatives of the City Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group, Iloilo City Public Safety Management Company, and Mandurriao Police Station.
Initially, 11 persons were arrested but one, who was a minor, was released along with two others, who did not possess evidence.
Ledesma said the operation was timely considering the report that the murder of Police Officer 1 Joemarie Lamis was related to drugs. See related story
“After what happened to Lamis, we have to be not only more vigilant but also more aggressive. We have to deal with drug syndicates a little bit more intense,” he added.*
