Two regional-level drug targets and two others on Wednesday night were arrested in Tagbilaran City during a police anti-drug operation which yielded P238,000 worth of shabu and a submachine gun.

The operation’s target, Melchor Ombayan, 42, was driving a sedan with his alleged cohort in the drug trade, Anecito Remoreras, 32, and two suspected drug users on board the vehicle when he was apprehended by operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) 7 along J. Borja Street in Barangay Poblacion II.

According to Captain Jojit Mananquil of RSOG 7, Ombayan of Tabalong, Dauis and Remoreras of Magsaysay, Talibon operated at the regional level particularly in Cebu.

Ombayan allegedly transacted with the police poseur-buyer while Remoreras handed over the shabu resulting in their immediate arrest during the drug buy-bust operation.

Randy Rama, 28, and Celso Igang, 44, both residents of Tagbilaran City were also apprehended as both were inside Ombayan’s car during the sting operation.

Operatives seized from the suspects 35 grams of shabu and a KG-9 submachine pistol from Ombayan, said Mananquil.

All four men remained under police custody pending the filing of illegal drug charges against them.

Ombayan meanwhile will be charged with additional cases including violations against Republic Act 10591 for illegal gun possession and the election gun ban. (W. Maestrado)