2 arrested for selling shabu inside dressed chickens in Laguna

Two men, who allegedly sold illegal drugs stuffed inside dressed chickens, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in San Pablo, Laguna on Thursday.

A 24 Oras report by John Consulta identified the suspects as Joel Baliton, 37, and Benjie Roxas, 38.

"Ang cover nila, mayroon silang legitimate na trabaho itong pagdedeliver ng manok. Ngayon, sa likod pala nito isinasabay na rin nila itong shabu. Talagang doon nila isinisiksik so may possible ito na matagal na itong ginagawa nila," said Police Senior Superintendent Vic Cabatingan, chief of the Laguna Provincial Police Intelligence Branch.

Authorities seized some sachets of suspected shabu and cash worth P2,000 from the suspects.

Meanwhile, Baliton and Roxas denied the allegations against them. Baliton, however, admitted that they were using illegal drugs.

"Nagde-deliver kami ng shabu? Di po totoo 'yon. Gumagamit lang po kami," Baliton said.

"Ay hindi po totoo 'yun sa loob ng manok," Roxas, meanwhile, said.

Police vowed to investigate the incident.

"Magpapatuloy din ang pagcoconduct namin ng investigation dito para matunton natin 'yung pinanggalingan at pinagbabagsakan," Police Sr. Supt. Cecilio Ison, provincial director of Laguna police, said.

The two suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act. — Anna Felicia Bajo/MDM, GMA News