Five people were arrested yesterday afternoon following a drug bust conducted by anti-drug operatives from Police Station 7 (PS7) at Block 28, Lot 40, Purok Kabugwason in Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City.

Police identified the suspects as 42-years-old Joeffrey Tiapon; 22-year-old Jeric John Medel; 47-year-old Joel Simon; 47-year-old Alejandro Toriano; and Felix Baguio, who was listed as “of legal age.” The suspects are all residents of Hacienda De Leon, located in the said barangay.

Police Senior Inspector Ramel Sarona, PS7 commander, said Tiapon, despite being considered a “new player” in the city, was already included on the city watchlist.

Authorities recovered two big and seven elongated plastic sachets of suspected shabu, and drug paraphernalia.

Sarona estimated the value of the illicit substance at P50,000.

He added, Tiapon was also carrying an improvised .45 caliber gun with four live units of ammunition.

The five suspects are facing charges in violation of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act of 2002; while Tiapon faces additional charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition./JJA, WDJ