Saturday, May 10, 2008 PDEA arrests 2 in Lorega raid
TWO drug suspects were arrested with a pack of shabu in a buy-bust in Imus Road, Barangay Lorega-San Miguel in Cebu City yesterday.
Despite a “people power” attempt by the residents there, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 operatives managed to arrest Zenaida Legaspi, 60, and Johann Chris Mark Normandia, 25, during the buy-bust past 1 p.m.
Their two cohorts, however, fled the area after sensing trouble.
PDEA 7 acting spokesman Jessie Tabanao said a certain Omie and Cadio Coyoca were the main targets of PDEA’s operations.
Omie has reportedly been considered a level two illegal drug trader in the area.
Two PDEA teams, headed by Deputy Director Randy Pedroso, pounced on Legaspi and Normandia when they handed a pack of shabu worth P300 to a poseur buyer.
Normandia reportedly received the buy-bust money shortly after Legaspi gave the illegal drug to a PDEA asset.
Omie and Coyoca reportedly fled quickly by climbing up the roof, leaving behind their two cohorts, Tabanao said.
Tabanao also said that the residents interfered in the operation and attempted to prevent the arrest but they backed off after one of the arresting officers fired a shot.
Although they are still at large, Omie and Coyoca will still be charged, along with their arrested companions, for violations of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002, he added. (GC)
