A couple from the capital town of Virac has been sentenced to 13 years in jail for possession of seven sachets of shabu found in a police search of their house in 2019.
In a decision rendered March 22, 2022, the Regional Trial Court also ordered Raul Vargas Sorreda and Adelaida Trinidad Escamillas to pay a fine of P300,000 each.
Information filed before the Court stated that on Oct. 10, 2019, then acting police chief PMaj. Bon Billy Timuat secured a search warrant against the couple who was then residing in a house in barangay Danicop.
Two days later, the search team, together with barangay officials and other mandatory witnesses, proceeded to the house at 2:30 AM and served the warrant.
The designated searcher discovered the suspected illegal drugs inside a plastic sachet that was placed on top of a red plastic tray on the plastic cabinet inside the living room.
Results of the seized drug items’ examination at the Regional Crime Laboratory Office in Legazpi City showed all seven specimens contained methamphetamine hydrochloride with a total weight of 0.724 gram.
However, a drug test conducted on both accused yielded negative result.
In finding the couple guilty beyond reasonable doubt, RTC Branch 43 Acting Presiding Judge Genie G. Gapas-Agbada said the prosecution was able to prove all the elements of illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
The Court found the testimony of the searcher and arresting officer credible, convincing and worthy of belief, adding that there is no evidence to suggest any improper motive on the part of the police operatives to falsely impute upon the accused such a serious charge.
It noted that both accused jumped their bail, indicating guilt on their part to avoid arrest and prosecution.