TWO PUSHERS selling marijuana were nabbed in separate police operations last February 27 and March 4, 2010.
The suspects were identified as Michael Ferrer y Mellang, a resident of Camp Downes and Jaime Pagay, 40, a resident of Naungan.
The first suspect, Michael Ferrer, was nabbed by the police during a routine patrol at the city plaza. Confiscated from him were two packs of cigarettes containing 20 sticks of rolled marijuana each, and cash of P270.00 believed to be proceeds from his trade. Marijuana sticks reportedly sell for P10.00 each and has replaced shabu as the drug of choice of users, as shabu is now reportedly very expensive.
Policemen caught Ferrer near the vicinity of the Food Park. Apprehending cops said that they noticed the suspect acting uncomfortable when they got near him. They were on routine patrol for “Operation Bakal” or confiscation of deadly knives and weapons. The particular area at the plaza is a hangout of young gangs prone to bringing weapons with them
They also noticed that he had two packs of cigarettes, which they said made them curious. When they asked him to hand them his packs of cigarettes for inspection, the suspect readily handed if over. Inside, they saw the rolled marijuana sticks.
Meanwhile, PO3 Richard Alvero, in a follow up report, told this reporter that the drug test on the suspect also turned out positive.
On the other hand, the second suspect was caught in a raid at his residence at Brgy. Naungan. Confiscated from the premises of Jaime Pagay’s house were seven packs of dried marijuana leaves.
The raid was covered by a search warrant issued by executive judge Apolinario H. Buaya dated March 1, and executed by the operatives on March 4.
The successive busts of marijuana pushers bring small comfort to concerned citizens. Around two weeks ago, a reliable source texted the EV Mail that marijuana smoking in a school vicinity is rampant and being done in the open, because ordinary citizens don’t recognize it anyway.
The source, a medical professional, said she got the information from a young patient was delusional from marijuana use. The patient confided they smoke it at carinderias and stores nearby their school, even during lunch.
An operative of the Ormoc City Police Office who was informed by the EV Mail about this promised to look into the information. By Paul Libres with a report from Lalaine M. Jimenea
2 marijuana pushers nabbed in separate operations
