A COURT in Samar has convicted the five accused in 87.835 kilograms of “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) seized in a checkpoint in Gandara, Samar last October 17, 2019 for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act or Republic Act (RA) 9165.
Honorable Esteban Dela Peña, acting presiding judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 41 in Gandara town, sentenced all the accused to a life imprisonment and a fine of P5 million each.
Convicted were Cesar Uy, 49, a resident of Cavite; Elbert Abella, 57, a resident of Toledo City; and Steven Perez, 37, Leonard delos Reyes, 33, and Jeralou Laborte, 34, all residents of Cebu City.
Laborte shall be transferred to Correction Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City as soon as the proper documentation shall have been accomplished, police said.
The four others are now under the custody of the Provincial Jail of Samar in Catbalogan City and will be turned over to Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte
The resolution was dated December 11, 2019.
A minor who was involved during the police checkpoint is now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development for intervention.
“This is another big accomplishment of Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas, a manifestation that our police personnel are doing their best in carrying out their duties,” said Brigadier General Ferdinand Divina, police regional director, on the conviction.
The official assured that police are “exerting extra efforts” in its campaign against illegal drugs in the region. (SunStar Philippines)