ILOILO City – A seafarer and a college student were arrested in a drug buy-bust operation of the Arevalo district police in Barangay Poblacion, Leganes, Iloilo yesterday.
John Winston Porras, a 26-year-old student and resident of Barangay Balabago, Jaro district, and 36-year-old Fritz Simbre of Barangay Poblacion, Leganes were taken to the Arevalo police station after an 11:45 a.m. sting at Simbre’s house, according to Police Major Edgad Anonoy, Arevalo police chief.
The police recovered suspected shabu valued at P86,000 aside from the P8,500 worth of suspected shabu (five sachets) transacted with Porras, said Anonoy.
The suspects would be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
“We have been negotiating with them for a purchase for a long time. They do not entertain buyers not known to them. Segurista sila. But finally, an asset was able to close a transaction,” said Anonoy.
Porras admitted during police interrogation that the supply was from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila through a contact presently detained at the male prison dormitory of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Barangay Ungka, Jaro, said Anonoy.
Jail warden Jail Superintendent Mary Chanette Espartero, however, cast doubt on Porras’ claim.
“It’s impossible for our inmates to transact with outsiders. We have not been allowing visits since March as a precautionary measure against the coronavirus disease. Also, we hold surprise inspection of cells and we have not found contrabands, including cellular phones. We allow inmates to use only BJMP-owned phones, but with the presence of our personnel,” said Espartero.
She vowed to conduct an investigation.
“I am so strict. I have been staying here since March to watch over them. I do not allow illegal activities here,” Espartero added.
Meanwhile, Leganes, Iloilo police chief, Police Captain Roy Tayona, said seaman Simbre failed to return to work due to the lockdown./PN
