More than half a million pesos worth of suspected “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) was confiscated following a search conducted at the residence of a suspected drug peddler identified as Melicio Semetara, also known as “Michael”, in Zone 2, Barangay Looc recently.
Elements of the City Anti-Illegal Drugs-Special Operations Task Group headed by Supt. James Goforth and City Intelligence Chief Ins. Marvin Fegarido swooped down on the residence of the suspect early this week with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Gerardo Paquio Jr.
Recovered during the search were five bultos (certain volume) of shabu and 20 other elongated size heat sealed transparent plastic sachets believed to contain shabu granules, P5,850.00 in cash believed to be proceeds from the sale of shabu, and other illegal drugs paraphernalia.
However, the suspect managed to elude arrest under the cover of darkness.
While police officers were waiting for occupants of the house to open the padlocked door, Semetara had managed to sneak into the other side of his residence through a portion which is made of light materials.
Fegarido said the confiscated shabu approximately weighing 45 grams has a dangerous drugs board value of P531,000.
Semetara was among the target personalities of the police in Dumaguete especially that his residence was also raided few years back. He was able to post bail, however, and eventually the case against him for violation of RA 9165 was dismissed due to technicalities.
The search was witnessed by village chief Angelita Ragay of Barangay Looc and representatives from the Department of Justice and the media. (PNA/JG)
