BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ROXAS City – An estimated P1.7 million worth of suspected shabu was seized from a couple in Barangay Banica around 8:46 a.m. yesterday, Feb. 8.
Suspects Dennis E. Benitez, 48, and his minor partner, were living together in Barangay Lawaan. They handed a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer for P20,000.
A total of 16 sachets of suspected shabu with an estimated weight of 250 grams were recovered.
“Ang subject natin ‘yong lalaki lang, pero alam na namin na mag live-in partner sila. At noong nag-transact kami sa kanila, magkasama sila nagbigay ng item doon sa aming informant,” said Police Major Leomindo Tayopon of the Capiz Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (CPDEU).
The CPDEU placed Benitez under surveillance for over a month before the operation.
“Matatawag silang supplier dito sa province ng Capiz dahil ‘yong first at second
districts at mismo ‘yong Roxas City sila ang nagde-distribute ng droga,” Tayopon added.
Benitez was in the drug watch list of the Roxas City Police Station. He was previously arrested for illegal drugs but was able to secure a plea bargain in 2021.
The suspects are now in the custody of Roxas City police and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director, Police Brigadier General Leo M. Francisco commended the operatives of Capiz province for a job well done.
“Our campaign against illegal drugs in Western Visayas continues. Hindi ko hahayaang masira ang kinabukasan ng ating kabataan dahil sa iligal na droga. Pagtulungan po natin na masugpo na ang supply and demand ng iligal na droga,” said Francisco./PN
