A combined posse' of PDEA, CIDG and maritime agents swooped down on a residence at Uptown, in Ubujan district, this city, in a drug raid early morning yesterday netting two suspects, drug money and paraphernalia. Bagged by the arresting team of the PDEA, PNP Maritime Police and CIDG were Vercilie “Titing” Balatero of Ubujan and Jose Lajot y Sarabia, of Airport Road , this city. The later was the alleged runner of Balatero. The two prominent drug personalities were apprehended on the strength of a search warrant issued by Presiding Judge Fernando Fuentes III of the Regional Trial Court.

The suspects were booked for violation of Sections 11 and Article 12 of Republic Act 9165. Specifically, the two will be charged with possession of illegal drugs popularly known as shabu and its paraphernalia. Seized during the raid were four pieces large-sized heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; four small-sized heat sealed transparent plastic sachet also believed to be shabu; 23 pcs empty transparent plastic strips used for repacking the illegal substance; one metal cigarette case; four pcs. lighters; seven units cellular phones; cash believed to be drug proceeds amounting to P16,710.00; nine pcs foreign currencies including dollars, pounds, yens, etc.; one digital weighing scale; one improvised clip used for repacking shabu and unit Honda Wave motorcycle. According to the arresting officers, proper charges are now being prepared against the suspects.