The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) busted five big-time drug pushers who yielded more than 100 grams of shabu worth P1 million in two consecutive buy-bust operations conducted in Cavite and Mandaluyong City on June 21 and 22, 2011, respectively.
PDEA Director General Undersecretary Jose S. Gutierrez, Jr. identified the arrested suspects in the Cavite buy-bust operation on June 21, as Noel Sarno, a farmer residing at 132 Anabu St., 2D, Imus, Cavite; and Henry Quintero, a 36 year-old construction worker residing at P2A West Ville Casimiro, Brgy. Ligas III, Bacoor, Cavite.
Arrested in the Mandaluyong operation on June 22 were Dennis Romero, 35 years old, Administrator for Environment of Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong City; Erick Oduca, 37 years old, residing in Maglente, Pasig City; and Gerry Alsona, 32 years old, a resident of Barangay Mauway, Mandaluyong City.
Sarno was caught red-handed after selling 54.69 grams of shabu to a PDEA agent who acted as poseur buyer during a transaction in Mandarin Homes Subdivision, Malagasang Road in Imus, Cavite. Arrested with Sarno was Quintero, Sarno’s courier-cum-runner. Cases for violation of Sections 5 and 26 (sale and conspiracy), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, were filed against Sarno and Quintero.
Meanwhile, Romero, Oduca and Alsona were apprehended by PDEA operatives in another buy-bust operation conducted along Acacia Lane, Brgy. Hagdan Bato Libis, Mandaluyong City. The trio yielded 50 grams of shabu contained in a heat-sealed transparent plastic bag. The Honda motorcycle, used by the suspects during the transaction was also confiscated by authorities. Romero, Oduca and Alsona now face charges for selling illegal drugs (Section 5, Article II, RA 9165).
The five busted pushers are now detained at the PDEA Metro Manila Regional Office (PDEA-MMRO) Detention Facility awaiting court orders for disposition. RAFFY RICO
