BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO – More or less 163 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1,108,400 were recovered from a former convict in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Bungca, Barotac Nuevo, around 10:23 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 4.
Drug suspect Joven “Dagul” Betiwan, 32, a resident of the said barangay, was tagged by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG), the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, and Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police as a high-value individual.
According to Police Lieutenant Erick Deocampo, team leader of PDEG in Western Visayas, Dagul was arrested in a buy-bust operation in May 2014. He was released from jail almost two months ago.
The suspect, meanwhile, claimed he had stopped using illegal drugs.
Bungca Barangay Captain Nelson Bayona stated they have been keeping an eye on Dagul after receiving information about the numerous unidentified individuals frequently visiting his residence.
Presently, Dagul is in the custody of Barotac Nuevo police, awaiting charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
