THREE alleged big-time drug peddlers were arrested during a buy-bust that yielded almost P500, 000 worth of shabu Tuesday night in Valenzuela City. Northern Police District director BGen. Rolando Ylagan identified the suspects as Jaypy Bautista, 34; and Marvin Castillo 43, both of Obando, Bulacan; and Ligaya Salazar, 33, of Barangay Arkong Bato, also in the city. The sting operation, which was initiated by the District Drug Enforcement Unit, took place around 9:20 p.m. along Kabesang Imo Street, Barangay Balangkas, Ylagan said. It was learned that the trio had been the subject of surveillance operations following complaints received by LtCol. Giovanni Hycenth Caliao 1st, head of the District Special Operation Unit, about their alleged illegal drug activities in Valenzuela and neighboring Bulacan. “Even if we are under enhanced community quarantine, it was unfortunate that these individuals continue with their illegal drug trade and they took advantage of this time that we are in crisis due to the coronavirus but our police force are focused in our campaign against criminality and illegal drugs activities,” Ylagan confirmed in a text message. Police enforcers were able to seize from the suspects, 14 pieces of plastic sachets containing 70 grams of shabu with street value of P476, 000, the buy-bust money consisting of two genuine P1,000 bills and 12 pieces of boodle money; two cellular phone units and a motorcycle used in the delivery of the prohibited drugs. The suspects were brought; to the City Prosecutor’s Office on charges of selling, possession and conspiracy of illegal drugs under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002.
