Friday, November 23, 2007 Female, suspected big-time drug pusher, in hiding for 2 years, finally caught
A SUSPECTED drug pusher who is sixth in the top 10 list of drug personalities in Cebu City was arrested last Wednesday night after hiding from the police for two years.
Melodina D. Sotelliza, 40, of Ponce Uno Compound in Barangay Carreta was arrested outside her house at 8 p.m. by a team led by SPO2 Rene Cerna of the Waterfront Police Station.
Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Patrocinio Comendador said Sotelliza had an arrest warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Silvestre Maamo Jr.
But Sotelliza named defeated Carreta barangay captain aspirant Marciano Ando as the one behind her arrest.
Sotelliza said Ando wanted her arrested on suspicion that she supported the candidacy of newly elected Carreta Barangay Captain Eduardo Lauron Sr. during the Oct. 29 barangay elections.
Ando earlier said a drug lord could have supported Lauron in his candidacy.
Lauron, in an earlier interview with Sun.Star Cebu, denied using drug money to win the elections.
“Kwartahan na na sila daan. Kinasingkasing ko nga mibotar,” Sotelliza said.
Not aware
Ando, when sought for comment, denied Sotelliza’s allegation.
He said he was not even aware about the arrest of Sotelliza.
But Sotelliza’s arrest was in relation to her case in May 2005 filed by the disbanded Vice Control Section, which was then under the supervision of now Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Bureau (CIIB) Chief George Ylanan.
Sotelliza eluded arrest during the operation because a councilor reportedly protected her.
Ylanan filed an administrative case of obstruction of justice against the councilor before the Office of the Ombudsman. The complaint was dismissed.
Sotelliza yesterday admitted she is into the illegal drug trade but that she stopped in 2005 after the operation by Ylanan.
She said she was forced to sell drugs because of poverty.
Meanwhile, a CIIB team led by Insp. Aileen Recla also arrested another drug suspect in her house on A. Lopez St., Sitio Cogon, Barangay Labangon, Cebu City at 4 p.m. Wednesday.
Mercury dela Cruz, alias Deday, 36, had a warrant out for her arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Gabriel Ingles. (JST )
