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Cops stumble on shabu ‘tiangge’ in squatter’s area

By Pat C. Santos

02/12/2009

Manila Police District (MPD) operatives stumbled upon a “mini shabu flea market” in a squatter’s area in Dimasalang, Sta. Cruz, Manila during an operation conducted the other day that resulted in the arrest of 37 persons.

Supt. Romulo Sapitula, commander of MPD Station 3 (Sta. Cruz), said the place is a known haven for drug pushers and users and the small version of “shabu tiangge” which was uncovered in Pasig City several years ago.

The official also disclosed for a price of P5 to P10, the drug addicts can use a shanty in the area for holding a pot session.

“Meron na talagang mga pwesto dun sa lugar na para lamang talaga sa pot session ng shabu,” Sapitula said. “Pati ‘yung pwesto pinapaupahan nila.”

Joint police MPD Station 3 operatives led by station’s reaction group under SPO3 Carmelo Gariando and station’s anti-illegal drugs unit under Insp. Jhonny Gaspar conducted the operation on Dimasalang at 2 p.m. the other day.

The raid was conducted by virtue of search warrants after conducting a series of test buys in the area, Sapitula added.

Prior to the raid, Sapitula personally confiscated all the mobile phones of his operatives as they were only informed about the raid once they are near the target place.

“Siniguro ko na hindi masusunog ‘yung operation namin kaya tinaggalan ko lahat sila ng cellphone dahil hindi natin maiiwasan na may ilang kapulisan na kasabwat ng mga sindikato ng droga,” Sapitula explained.

He said they conducted the operation after receiving reliable information regarding the rampant selling of illegal drugs, including shabu (hydrochloride methamphetamine) and marijuana in the area.

The 37 persons were arrested while having a pot session and buying illegal drugs in the area, reports said.

Meanwhile, after learning of the incident, MPD director Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales immediately sent operatives of Scene of the Crime Operatives to conduct random drug testing in the area.

Rosales also commended Sapitula and his men for dismantling the alleged mini-shabu tiangge in the area.

Several year ago, anti-narcotics agents uncovered a shabu tiangge just a stone’s throw from the Pasig City Hall with the arrest of more than 200 persons, including women and minors.

The alleged shabu tiangge, the biggest in the metropolis, was reportedly owned by Amin Imam Boratong and his wife Sheryl. The couple was arrested and drug charges were filed against them before the Pasig court.