A 19-year-old man was arrested in Brgy. Robles, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, after a reported cellphone snatching incident led to the discovery of illegal drugs worth over P100,000 on Sunday, July 6.
The suspect, identified as alias “Kulot,” was arrested by authorities after allegedly stealing a yellow Infinix Smart 8 Android cellphone from a 35-year-old store owner at the La Castellana Public Market around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The victim was speaking with her sister-in-law when the suspect grabbed the phone, which was charging on top of her store counter, and fled, the La Castellana police reported.
Responding policemen launched a hot pursuit operation that led to the suspect’s arrest in the same barangay.
But what began as a simple theft case quickly escalated.
Upon searching the suspect, police recovered the stolen cellphone and uncovered eight heat-sealed plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, an improvised straw scoop with drug traces, and a black coin purse.
The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 15 grams with a Standard Drug Price (SDP) of P102,000, the police reported.
Maj. Rhojn Darell Nigos, La Castellana Police Chief, said charges are being prepared against the suspect and they are awaiting results from the suspect’s drug test.
“If the test turns out positive, we will also file a charge under Section 15 for use of illegal drugs,” Nigos added.
Initial coordination with the Chief of Police of Moises Padilla was also made, as the suspect is reportedly a resident of that town.
The police added that the incident occurred during a busy market day, and the suspect may have taken advantage of the crowd.
The suspect is currently detained at the La Castellana Police Station, facing charges for theft and violation of section 11 of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.*