Another drug offender who was released through a plea bargaining agreement was arrested during a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) drug sting operation.

The operation’s target, identified as Joseph Carlo Aguaviva, was apprehended along with his live-in partner, Cristina Limetares, and brother, Jan Aguaviva, in Barangay Manga, Tagbilaran City on Thursday.

In a report, the NBI said that Joseph who was previously arrested for a drug charge was spotted selling illegal drugs prompting agents to set up the operation near his residence.

Joseph allegedly transacted with NBI operatives while it was Limetares who handed over P500 worth of shabu to the poseur-buyer and received the payment.

Jan meanwhile was also taken into custody after operatives found in his possession shabu and drug paraphernalia, the NBI said.

He admitted that he might test positive for drug use but denied owning the shabu allegedly seized from him.

Law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, have been reported to be arresting again drug offenders who have been released through plea bargaining.

Bohol District Jail (BDJ) warden Sr. Insp. Richard Tulabing, during an interview last month, admitted that the facility has been releasing at least one inmate almost on a daily basis through the Supreme Court-mandated plea bargaining agreement framework.

At least 100 BDJ inmates have been released through plea deals while almost 500 inmates facing drug charges applied for a plea deal but most of the cases remained under processing. (W. Maestrado)