Brother of Journey frontman Arnel Pineda arrested in Quezon City for drug peddling

The brother of Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of American rock band Journey, was arrested on Tuesday night for alleged illegal drug peddling in Quezon City, police has confirmed.

In a report from Kamuning Police Station Commander Lt. Col. Bernouli Abalos, drug operatives from his station collared Rusmon "Rustmon" Pineda, 51, in a drug bust operation. He was the younger brother of Arnel Pineda, according to Abalos.

Also arrested was his cohort, a barangay watchman (tanod), who was identified as 30-year-old Rojimar Frilles.

The operation was held after a "regular confidential informant" informed police "regarding the illegal activities of certain Rustmon, particularly selling/delivering of shabu in the area of Barangay Obrero, Quezon City," the police report said.

Abalos immediately formed a team and tasked a police poseur buyer to meet Pineda along Scout Santiago corner Marathon St. in Barangay Obrero around 11 p.m. During the transaction, police said that Pineda was joined by Frilles, who was then riding a motorcycle.

After handing the police three sachets of suspected shabu, the duo were immediately arrested.

Seized from their possession were a total 20 grams of suspected shabu worth P136,000.

Police said, the duo would face charges for violation of R.A. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.