FEMALE DRUG PUSHER SENTENCED TO LIFE IN JAIL

A COURT in Cebu City sentenced to life in jail a female drug trafficker in Central Visayas.

Maria Christina Abarquez alias “Tinang” was found guilty for sale and possession of illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In a 22-page decision, the Cebu City Regional Trial Court Branch 57 found Abarquez guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the illegal sale of 996.30 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride  or shabu, and for possessing 3,991.26 grams of the same prohibited drugs.

Abarquez was meted the life term and was directed to pay a P500,000 fine to the government for each offense.

Records showed that on October 11, 2024, the PDEA Regional Office 7 arrested Abarquez  in a buy-bust operation on Cokaliong St,m Bgy. Carreta in Cebu City.

PDEA Director General Isagani R. Nerez welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing that the successful prosecution of drug offenders remains the ultimate measure of success in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

“The arrest of drug offenders is only the beginning. The true yardstick of victory in drug law enforcement is the successful prosecution of cases and seeing drug offenders brought to justice. This conviction demonstrates that through diligent investigation, airtight case build-up, and strong collaboration among law enforcement and the prosecution, justice will prevail,’’ Nerez said.

Nerez  also thanked the prosecutors of the Department of Justice (DOJ) “for their unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that drug offenders are held accountable.