A casual employee of the local government unit (LGU) of Balilihan was arrested by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) on Saturday for allegedly possessing and selling illegal drugs.

The suspect was identified as Lemuel Molino, 45, married and a resident of Purok 1, Barangay Baucan Norte in Balilihan town.

According to Police Major Peter Nabuye, the PDEU chief, they raided Molino’s house based on a search warrant issued by Judge Josephus Baterna of the Regional Trial Court Branch 49.

The raiding team, led by Police Captain Yolando Bagotchay Jr. and Police Lieutenant John Rey Olid, seized about 30 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of Php204,000. 

They also recovered drug paraphernalia and other items used for drug transactions.

Nabuye said that Molino was a high-value target of the PDEU and had been under surveillance for several months. 

He added that Molino was a casual employee of the LGU’s engineering office and used his position to facilitate his drug activities.

Molino is now detained at the Balilihan police station and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.