Police chase leads to arrest of ‘big-time Nubain supplier’

A REGISTERED nurse, who is allegedly a big-time supplier of Nubain, was arrested after a chase by Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 agents at the Cebu Business Park in Cebu City yesterday afternoon.

Confiscated from suspect Napoleon Ricamora’s possession were 30 ampules of the regulated painkiller worth P9,000.

Companion

Also arrested was his alleged errand boy, Calvin Klein Canañete.

The buy-bust operation against the 28-year-old Ricamora took place near a private hospital in Barangay Capitol-Site at 2:40 p.m.

PDEA 7 Deputy Director Levi Ortiz said Ricamora handed over nine Nubain ampules to a poseur-buyer.

When he sensed he was dealing with a police officer, he got into his car and fled.

The agents chased him and Ricamora ended up crashing into another vehicle, but he was still able to drive away.

Test-buy

The hot pursuit continued at the Cebu Business Park where the agents’ finally cornered him and Canañete, 23, around 3 p.m.

“Ricamora is a big-time supplier of Nubain,” Ortiz told Sun.Star Cebu in Cebuano.

Ricamora reportedly owns two pharmacies on B. Rodriguez St. and Barangay Sambag 1. He reportedly lives in Banawa, Cebu City and Minglanilla town.

Before the operation, Ortiz said they received information about Ricamora’s alleged illegal activity.

During a test-buy they conducted last Jan. 14, he said they were able to get Nubain ampoules from Ricamora.

The illegal substance was sent for examination, and tested positive.

“He only operates here in Cebu City,” Ortiz said.

When interviewed by agents, Ortiz said Ricamora refused to answer their questions.

“He wouldn’t cooperate. He invoked his right to remain silent,” Ortiz said.