A long stay in jail plus heavy fines are in store for a Virac laborer who was found in possession of illegal drugs and a firearm during a court-ordered search of his house last week.
Six (6) sachets of suspected shabu granules and a Cal. 38 revolver loaded with two bullets that were kept in a drawer of a plastic cabinet were discovered by the police during the search at the house of Joelito Abundo Matienzo, 27, a resident of Purok 4 in Gogon Centro, last Aug. 28, 2021 at 12:42 AM.
The six sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride were estimated to have a weight of 60 grams.
Serving as witnesses during the operation and inventory of evidence were barangay officials and a media representative.
Operatives of the Virac police station, the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Catanduanes, Catanduanes Police Intelligence Unit and Criminal Investigation and Detection Team (CIDT) Catanduanes conducted the search pursuant to a warrant issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 42 Presiding Judge Genie G. Gapas-Agbada.
According to the police, the suspect had already completed the Recovery and Wellness Program for drug surrenderers under the PNP’s “Oplan Tokhang” but apparently decided to continue with the illegal trade despite being given a chance to have a new life.
He is now detained at the Virac police station pending the filing of twin charges against him for possession of dangerous drugs in violation of Sec. 11 of Republic Act 9165 and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in violation of RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The latest arrest was attributed to information sent by citizens to the police through the Isumbong Mo Kay Tsip hotline, the Catanduanes police said, proof that the public and the police are working hand in hand to stamp out illegal drugs in Virac and through the heightened Barangay Drug Clearing Program of the municipal government.