ANTI-NARCOTICS operatives of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) seized P5 million worth of illegal drugs after arresting more than 20 persons within 36 hours.

CCPO Director Royina Garma said the drug problem is a continuing problem in the city.

At 12:10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 8, Mary Jane Lipitin Dequitos was caught inside a hotel in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City. She is identified by the police as the wife of Julius Dequitos, the alleged big-time pusher based in Villagonzalo 2, Barangay Tejero.

She reportedly replaced her husband, who is now an inmate in a jail facility.

Operatives also arrested Mary Jane’s cohorts Geramae Niala, Jhon Frye Tapales and tombstone maker Carlton Estrera. Suspects yielded 240 grams of “shabu” worth P2.8 million.

Chief Insp. Eduardo Sanchez, Cebu City Police Station 2 commander, said some of the suspects’ customers were foreigners.

He said they uncovered Mary Jane’s illegal trade after his personnel caught a woman, who persuaded a foreigner to buy shabu from her.

At 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7, Ian Paul Bontilao Cabarrubias was caught in Barangay Bacayan, yielding 25 grams of “shabu” worth P295,000. A .22 revolver was also recovered from his possession.

The suspects will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. A separate complaint of illegal possession of firearms will be filed against Cabarrubias. (KAL, AYB of Superbalita Cebu)