CAMP GEN. PACIANO RIZAL, Sta. Cruz, Laguna – A 31-year-old vlogger and his two assistants were arrested and suspected high-grade marijuana valued at P3.75 million was seized in a buy-bust operation in Barangay San Isidro, San Pablo City, this province, before dawn Saturday, Sept. 10.
Col. Randy Glenn Silvio, acting Laguna police chief, identified the suspects as vlogger Jerome Zapanta Layson, alias “Jhem Bayot;” and his helpers Ginalyn Benisa, alias “Nalyn,” 30, and Crismark Alimagno, alias “Lake,” 21, all residents of Barangay San Isidro, San Pablo City.
The San Pablo City police station said the suspects were arrested at 3:18 a.m. after selling marijuana to a poseur-buyer.
Seized from the suspects were nine medium-size heat-sealed transparent plastic bags containing high-grade marijuana leaves and seeds with an estimated weight of 2.5 kilograms valued at P3.75 million and a suitcase.
Suspects are under the custody of the San Pablo City police.
Confiscated marijuana will be submitted to the Provincial Forensic Unit here for examination.
Layson's vlogs delve on entertainment, social problems, and helping the poor.
According to police, Layson is from Caloocan City and rented an apartment in San Pablo City and used his “pares” (braised beef stew) food business as front for his illegal drugs trade.
Layson recruited workers and used them as couriers and runners and used his tricycle for his business to pick up and deliver contrabands.
He also allegedly concealed the illegal drugs in tea bags and shipped via courier services.
The suspect operated in Laguna, Quezon, and Metro Manila and sold three to five kilos of marijuana monthly.
UPDATED