Vendor selling banana cue falls in drug buy-bust

A SUSPECTED drug pusher, who sells banana cue allegedly as a front, was arrested during a buy-bust in Barangay Poblacion, Danao City, Cebu last Thurdsay.

Confiscated from Manuel “Mawi” Taneo, 27, were 13 small packs of shabu with a street value of P200 each.

The operation conducted at 7:46 p.m. on Beatriz D. Durano St. stemmed from complaints of residents over the suspect's illegal activity, said PO2 Roderick Balili of the Cebu Provincial Police Office's Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB).

The police officer served as a poseur-buy- er and bought a pack of shabu. When Balili apprehended the suspect, Taneo tried to resist arrest.

“It's their family business,” Balili said.

He said Taneo took over his mother's spot after she was arrested for the same offense and is still serving her sentence.

“He was even born inside Muntinlupa City Jail,” Balili added.

During interrogation, Taneo admitted being involved in drug pushing, but he was incoherent with some of his answers.

“Mura pa og nakatama siya. High pa kayo (He was apparently high),” Balili said.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, head of PIB, said Taneo could allegedly dispose of at least 10 to 15 grams of shabu per week.

“He's not yet on our drugs watch list, but he's a new player,” Albotra said.

Albotra said he personally received a complaint against the suspect for selling shabu in front of church goers in the area.

A complaint for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against Taneo.