Saturday, February 03, 2007 Judge to NBI: Measure shabu ‘pack’
JUST how much methamphetamine hydrochloride is there in a pack of what is commonly known as shabu?
Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Fortunato de Gracia wants to find out and has endorsed to the National Bureau Investigation a batch of shabu seized from Jerome Miñoza, an alleged drug peddler caught when the police raided a place called “Little Pasil” in 2004.
While the two terms are used interchangeably, shabu is what is sold on the streets, while it is the chemical compound that is outlawed by Republic Act (RA) 9165.
The actual weight is crucial in proceedings involving applications for bail.
RA 9165 disallows bail for those people charged with peddling shabu of any amount and for those caught in possession of over 50 grams of the addictive contraband.
Miñoza was caught in possession of 51.01 grams of shabu, in one of the largest anti-drug operations held by the Cebu City Police Office.
At least 100 policemen took part in the operation that involved simultaneous raids on 10 households in Sitio Dita, Barangay Pulangbato, a mountain barangay in Cebu City.
The community earned the moniker Little Pasil because of its booming drug trade.
Four persons were separately arrested and, subsequently, charged after the simultaneous police operation. Two others were also arrested for obstruction of justice.
Seized were 13 guns and several ammunitions of different caliber, at least 111 shabu packs of different sizes, almost P40,000 cash believed to be proceeds of the illegal business and assorted drug paraphernalia.
Arrested with Miñoza were Romeo Rota, Rodrigo Borbon and Ramonito Asignar.
Oscar Bontuyan and Nelson Owatan were also arrested for allegedly trying to stop the police from serving the warrants.
RTC Executive Judge Simeon Dumdum Jr. issued the 10 warrants used in the raid.
Policemen said that passenger motorcycle drivers are used as couriers in Pulangbato, where big-time pushers in Barangays Pasil and Luz allegedly dispose of their illegal drugs. (KNR)
