IT BOGGLES the mind to think that even in a very rural setting like Lucban, Quezon, big-time syndicates of illegal drugs operate with impunity.
Last week, two suspects yielded shabu worth over P1 million and firearms in a police pre-dawn buy-bust operation in Bgy. Tinamnan, Lucban. Police Major Sandie Caparroso identified the suspects as Carlos Lapuz, 30, alias Ronald/Palang; and Joseph Paule Barrientos, 21, alias Jeff.
Based on the police report sent to Quezon police provincial office head Police Col. Joel Villanueva, the municipal intelligence and drug enforcement units conducted a drug buy-bust operation at Miramonte Subdivision in Bgy. Tinamnan with the help of a confidential agent and poseur buyer.
Confiscated from Lapuz are a pistol and .9mm bullets, sachets of white powder believed to be shabu and buy bust money. Barrientos also yielded plastic sachets of the same content.
The police said the seized drugs, estimated to have 50.22 grams in weight with DDB value of P341,496 and street value of P1,024,428 were brought to Quezon Provincial Crime Laboratory Office for examination.
The suspects are detained at the town custodial facility and are facing criminal complaints for violation of Sec. 5 and 11 of Art.II of RA 9165 and violation of RA 10591.
These incidents of drugs arrests and confiscations are replicated through Quezon province, and we commend the police for their vigilance.
It is just sad that in the dying days of the Duterte administration, the President still grapples with the problem of drugs which he promised to solve within one year of his incumbency.