5 minors rescued in Cebu City anti-drug operation

Five minors were "rescued" in an anti-drug raid conducted by police intelligence operatives on a suspected drug den in Cebu City last weekend.

The anti-drug operation on March 27 came after two weeks of surveillance, GMA Cebu's Randy Gorion reported on Monday on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."



Initial information showed the rescued minors were aged nine, 10, 11, 13, and 14. They said they would use the drugs so they would have enough stamina to sell newspapers.

"Ang papa gumagamit nito noon, sinubukan ko lang," the 14-year-old said.

"Hindi kasi ako napapagod kung gagamit ako," said the nine-year-old, adding they had been taught in school that using drugs was wrong.

The report said the drug den even had a cashier who would let customers choose how much they would buy.

An investigation showed a room in the den allows some users to immediately consume the methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) they bought.

Gambling machines were also seen inside the raided den.

Seized in the raid were 252 sachets of shabu.

Arrested were suspected drug dealer Janet Domin and two women.

Police also caught nine men holding a pot session in the area. These include security guards and waiters.

"Ina rin ako, kaya lang ang tigas ng ulo kahit pagalitan ko, nagpupumulit talaga," Domin said, referring to the minors who she said insisted on using drugs.

Meanwhile, the five minors were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Police are now tracking down the brains behind the drug den. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News