A SUSPECTED drug courier bound for Cebu was intercepted by the anti-narcotics agents at the port in Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City Monday night, February 20.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Northern Mindanao identified the suspect as Jan Erik Montejo, 29, from Patag village, Cagayan de Oro city.
Authorities seized six sachets of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride or “shabu” in different sizes weighing about 100 grams and worth P500,000.
Also recovered were drug paraphernalia like one improvised stroscope, a device supposedly used for repacking “shabu,” and two lighters.
PDEA-Northern Mindanao agent Ben Kalibre said the suspect also tested positive for illegal drug use.
Kalibre said PDEA's K9 units and operatives conducted an announced random visit at the seaport where the suspect was intercepted.
The agent also said the suspect was acting in a suspicious manner, hesitating to pass the X-Ray machine and refusing to be frisked, adding that the suspected shabu were found in the pouch placed inside the suspect's jacket.
"Pagduol sa K9 dog ug pasimhot sa pouch nilingkod kini indication nga naay suspected drugs (When the K9 dog sniffed the pouch, it sat down, indicating that there were suspected drugs)," Kalibre said.
The PDEA agent said the confiscated drugs came from Lanao and was supposed to be transported to Cebu.
Kalibre said the suspect’s name does not appear in their list of drug personalities but he said the suspect may nevertheless be involved in the illegal drug trade.
He said the suspect admitted he was only told to transport the items to Cebu.
The PDEA-Northern Mindanao Tuesday, February 21, filed charges against the suspect for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act particularly on transportation (section 5) and illegal possession of drug paraphernalia (section 12) with no bail recommended.