Cops recover PHP88-M worth of shabu from ‘narco’ mayor’s house in Leyte

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 10 (PNA) -- At least 11 kilograms of suspected shabu worth PHP88 million and ingredients used in making bombs were recovered by the police at the house of Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa, Sr. in a raid early on Wednesday morning.

Armed with search warrant dated August issued by Presiding Judge Carlos O. Arguelles of Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Baybay City, the police entered Espinosa’s home in Tinago Dos subvillage, Benolho, Albuera town around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

The team is composed of Albuera town police, Leyte police provincial police, regional public safety battalion and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

The drugs, stored in plastic bags, were found at the house's kitchen cabinets. Also recovered were ammonium nitrates, blasting caps, firing wires, black powder, and police uniform, according to the Eastern Visayas police regional office.

“All items seized were properly documented in the presence of village officials, media, and Department of Justice representatives,” the regional police office said in a statement.

Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido, the local police chief said they will conduct more raids in houses owned by the mayor’s family as soon as they secure search warrants.

Meanwhile, the local police recovered assorted firearms, ammunitions and other items on Tuesday afternoon near the houses of the mayor.

“We responded to a report regarding some firearms placed inside a sack as reported by concern citizens,” Espenido said.

Recovered are sub machine gun, 100 pieces of live ammunitions, calibre 45 pistol, three pieces magazine assembly of calibre 45, and a hand grenade.

Other items seized are hand held radio, closed circuit television camera, police uniform, black bonnet, two bandoliers, low carry holster, black jacket with hood, and a pack of transparent plastic bags.

These recovered firearms and paraphernalia were allegedly used by the Espinosa’s private armed group, according to Espenido.

After leaving the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame on Saturday, the mayor has not yet returned to his hometown. He is reportedly confined at a suite room in a hospital in Cebu City.

On Aug. 2, Espinosa surrendered to PNP Director General Roland Dela Rosa, beating a 24-hour deadline set by the President for him and his son, Kerwin to surrender or face a shoot-on-sight. (PNA)

BNB/SARWELL Q. MENIANO