CAMP OLIVAS, San Fernando, Pampanga – Former matinee idol and “Gwapings” Mark Anthony Fernandez has landed in jail after authorities seized around one kilo of marijuana during a checkpoint in Angeles City.
Reports reaching the office of Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) acting director Chief Supt. Aaron N. Aquino reveal that Fernandez was on board a yellow Ford Mustang without plate number which was flagged down by elements of the anti-criminality checkpoint along MacArthur Highway.
When authorities noticed the marijuana inside a bag which was in the passenger seat, the 37-year-old Fernandez however sped off but was eventually cornered after a brief car chase.
Seized from the actor was about a kilo of marijuana placed inside a dark blue bag, a small yellow plastic with Marijuana residues and mechanical grinder for marijuana.
Initially, Fernandez denied he owned the marijuana seized from his car.
“Hindi po akin yan. May naglagay lang po sa loob ng kotse ko,” said Fernandez.
Fernandez later on admitted that he owned the weed but insisted that he’s been using marijuana for cancer prevention.
The celebrated actor also said that the ones seized from him is supposed to be for his own use for one year.
Fernandez eventually underwent urine test with the regional crime laboratory in Pampanga.
Results of the test, which authorities revealed to the media, showed Fernandez testing positive for marijuana use.
Being involved in drugs is not new to Fernandez, son of late actor Rudy Fernandez and actress Alma Moreno.
Back in 2004, Fernandez submitted himself to a drug rehabilitation center in Bicutan.
Fernandez is temporarily under the custody of Police Station 6.
“We continue to carry out our anti-drug campaign regardless of who will be arrested. This only goes to show that, indeed, our all-out war against illegal drugs is not just lip service,” said Aquino.
(With a report from Mar T. Supnad) (FRANCO G. REGALA)
