TALISAY CITY, Cebu – The driver and close aide of self-confessed Cebu-based drug lord Franz Sabalones has been arrested by operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch after illegal drugs were found during a raid they conducted in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, Cebu.
Gonzalo Echavez Abellana II, 38, was arrested based on a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court Cebu City Branch 60 Executive Judge Leopoldo Cañete.
During their search of Abellana’s house, PIB operatives recovered two large packs and 15 medium packs containing suspected shabu with an estimated value of P1.8 million. Operatives also recovered a black box containing an airsoft pistol with magazines.
Police Capt. Alejandro Batobalonos, head of the PIB and the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, said that Abellana was identified as Sabalones’ personal driver but left the drug lord’s employ a few months ago.
But even though he is no longer employed by Sabalones, Abellana continued his former boss’ work by selling drugs in Barangay Tabunok. Batobalonos believes Sabalones still continues to supply illegal drugs to Abellana for distribution. (Lesley Vestil)
