Operatives from the Marikina City Police Station (CPS) arrested the leader of the "Che-Che" drug group, along with two high-value targets, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tumana, Marikina City on Wednesday. Feb. 22.
The report given to Marikina City Police chief Col. Earl Castillo identified the female group leader as Cherry Gonzales or "Che-che," 46.
The two high-value targets, included in the police’s unified watch list, were identified as Ronnel Latabe, 21; and Alvin Caringal, 32.
The police conducted the buy-bust operation and arrested the three suspects at around 5:54 p.m. on Kabayani Road in Barangay Tumana.
Confiscated from the suspects were 19 heat-sealed transparent sachets filled with around 15 grams of suspected shabu worth P102,000.
The evidence was brought to the Eastern Police District (EPD) for laboratory examination.
After documentation at the Marikina Police Station, the suspects underwent a drug test facilitated by the EPD Forensic Unit.
They are currently detained at the Marikina Custodial Facility.
The suspects are facing charges for selling and possession of drugs under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Eastern Police District (EPD) director Brig. Gen Wilson Asueta commended the efforts of the Marikina police.
“EPD will continue to intensify our campaign against illegal drugs to hunt down drug personalities and eradicate illegal drugs in the community of Metro East," he said.