Saturday, October 25, 2008 Police raid drug den By Reynaldo G. Navales
MABALACAT -- Joint elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Philippine Coast Guard recently raided a suspected drug den along Roxas Street in Barangay Dau in this town.
Police said that about 40 persons were arrested during the operation conducted by virtue of a search warrant issued by Judge Thelma A. Ponfernada of the Regional Trial Court Branch 104 in Quezon City.
The court has authorized the PDEA to execute the warrant inside the residence of one Dadu Labung of Roxas Street.
Some 50 operatives of the PDEA were assisted by elements of the town police during pursuit of the suspects who scampered upon seeing the authorities.
The Philippine Coast Guard, led by Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, used helicopters during the operation against the suspected traders of illegal drugs here.
Police seized methamphetamine hydrochloride from the Labung residence and nearby houses in said area.
The suspects will be charged in court for violating Republic Act Number 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The town police has previously arrested notorious drugs pushers in said area.
Mayor Marino "Boking" Morales said he supports the effort of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to curb illegal drugs in this first class municipality.
