PDEA nabs ‘big-time’ drug dealer

AN ESTIMATED P500,000 worth of illegal drugs were confiscated from a suspected “big-time” drug pusher and three associates following a buy-bust operation by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Monday morning in Opol town, Misamis Oriental.

PDEA Regional Director Roberto S. Opeña told Sun.Star that at least 60 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) was seized from Walid B. Ansao, 33, a resident of Block 38, Vamenta Subdivision in Opol.

Also arrested were Deo Bermejo, 19; Alvin Colinares, 35; and Arn Maul, 22, all residents of the said area.

According to PDEA agents, Colinares was Ansao’s cohort during the transaction made between DEA and Ansao while Bermejo and Maul were alleged employees of a drug den allegedly owned by Ansao.

The operation, which was conducted around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, alarmed some residents after Ansao’s supporters allegedly fired a warning shot against oncoming PDEA agents.

“Ang area na ‘yan ang isa sa mahirap pasukin dahil armado ang mga tao diyan,” Opeña said.

PDEA agents were able to recover six pieces large heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu inside the house of Ansao.

Another 16 pieces of transparent plastic sachets in different sizes containing suspected shabu were recovered inside Ansao’s brand new black GLS Montero Mitsubishi car with plate number TOB 440.

The PDEA agents also recovered four pieces transparent plastic sachets in different sizes containing suspected shabu from Ansao’s red Honda Wave motorcycle bearing plate number 7107 KD.

Both vehicles are now in the custody of PDEA.

Also confiscated were a weighing scale, cellular phone, 25 large transparent plastic sachets with shabu residue, drug paraphernalia, and a white multi-cab with plate number KGB 533.

Opeña said the arrest of Ansao stemmed after a month-long monitoring as he tagged Ansao as one of the “big-time” drug pushers in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro.

“Hindi ‘yan makikipag-negotiate kung P1,000 lang ang bibilhin dahil pinaka-minimum niya ay P5,000 above,” he added.

Opeña said Ansao can dispose at least 25 grams of shabu amounting to P200,000 per day.

PDEA also discovered that Ansao remitted the proceeds of illegal drugs to several high profile personalities in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, one of whom is his alleged cousin who is a provincial board member in the area, based on several deposit slips recovered from his possession.

“Aabot ng P4 milyon ang remittance niya monthly dahil magde-deposit siya at least P230,000 a day,” Opeña said.

Ansao strongly denied the accusation and claimed that he invested his money in Coco Rasuman’s pyramid scheme.

But Opeña said Ansao is jobless and yet was able to own an expensive vehicle and has two houses in Vamenta Subdivision.

Ansao and his three companions are now temporarily detained at the PDEA office and are facing several charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.