Tanjay City police broke a safety deposit box of a suspected drug dealer to prove reports of his involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Using a hammer, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group broke the safe found in the room of Kenneth Teves of barangay Palanas, and recovered six sachets of suspected shabu weighing about 21 grams.
Joining the CIDG in serving the search warrant last Friday were the Provincial Intelligence Branch, the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Administration.
Chief Inspector Julius Garcia said Teves will be charged for violations of Section 11 of RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Garcia said the suspect had denied ownership of the safety deposit box found inside his room and objected to its opening, claiming it is owned by his mother who is out of the country.
Sensing that something was inside the vault, Garcia peeped through a small opening at the back of the safety vault while pointing a small flashlight in the other hole.
He said he could only see a rolled tinfoil and a small bamboo stick which turned out to be an improvised sealer.
The CIDG official said the directorate for intelligence has included Teves as among the alleged drugs personalities in Tanjay City.
The police also seized cash amounting to P220,800 believed to be proceeds of the illegal activity and other illegal drugs paraphernalia. (JFP/JG)
