Suspected member of Cebu-based drug ring nabbed

The injured law enforcers underwent medical examination to prove that a scuffle actually occurred during the operation. (Google maps)

CEBU CITY — An alleged member of a Cebu-based drug ring was collared by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after a short scuffle with authorities late Thursday afternoon in Barangay Mambaling, this city.

Forty-year-old Dennis Lapa, resident of Barangay Ibo, Toledo City, resisted arrest but was eventually subdued by the CIDG operatives.

Senior Inspector Edwin Lacostanes, of the CIDG-7 Police-Community Relations, said some of their operatives, including team leader Chief Insp. Chuck Barandog, were injured during the brief scuffle with the suspect.

“When the team was about to serve the warrant, the suspect struggled with the men.

So, that’s what happened,” Lacostanes told reporters in Tagalog.

The injured law enforcers underwent medical examination to prove that a scuffle actually occurred during the operation.

The operation was conducted by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Toledo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 59 Judge Hermes Montero for violation of Section 5 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

According to Lacostanes, Lapa is an underling of self-confessed drug lord Franz Sabalones of San Fernando, Cebu, but the suspect strongly denied the allegation.

Lapa said he is not involved with the Sabalones drug group, but admitted to selling drugs before the implementation of “Operation Tokhang” by the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The CIDG recovered from his possession a .38-caliber revolver with three live ammunition and two medium-size packs and six sachets of white crystalline substance believed to be methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu.

”

Lapa also denied ownership of the handgun and the drugs, saying all the evidence allegedly seized from him were planted as he just went to Mambaling to visit a friend.

The suspect, who will be facing additional charges for illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, is set to be presented to RTC Branch 59 in Toledo City.