GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Joint operatives arrested an employee of the provincial government of Sarangani who reportedly doubled as a drug pusher in an operation Tuesday afternoon, June 8 in a village in Alabel town.
Naravy Duquiatan, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 12 director, said suspect Abelardo Espinosa Balcita alias “Totong", 57, was nabbed around 4:30 p.m. in Purok 6, Barangay Spring in Alabel.
She said Balcita is employed as Administrative Aide III of the Provincial General Services Office of Sarangani.
The raid, which involved elements from PDEA-12, Alabel municipal police station, and the Sarangani police’s drug enforcement unit, intelligence unit and mobile force company, was based on a search warrant issued by a local court.
Duquiatan said the operating team recovered at the suspect’s residence a large pack and 11 small plastic sachets containing suspected shabu that weighed a combined 5.88 grams and with a market value of PHP39,984.
She said the team also found at the scene at least 13 more plastic sachets with suspected shabu residue.
“He (Balcita) is considered a high-value drug personality and included in our target list,” Duquiatan said in a report.
The suspect will be charged with violation of Section 11 or possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.