Big-time ecstasy and cocaine dealers busted

MANILA, Sept. 22 (PNA) -- Three big time ecstasy and cocaine pushers were arrested by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during buy-bust and follow up operations within Metro Manila on Saturday.

In his report to PDEA Director General Senior Undersecretary Dionisio R. Santiago, Maj. Ferdinand L. Marcelino, director of the elite Special Enforcement Service, identified the suspects as Richard Santos Brodett, 25, single, a resident of 619 Acacia Street, Ayala, Alabang, Muntinlupa City; Jorge Jordana Joseph, 22, single, a resident of 8 Petune Street, Pillar Village, Las Piñas City, and Joseph Ramirez Tecson, 25, single, a resident of 15 Erwin Street, Filinvest 2, Quezon City.

Suspects Richard Brodett and Jorge Joseph were arrested in a buy-bust operation at around 12:30 AM along Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City while Joseph Ramirez Tecson was arrested during follow-up operations at around 4:30 AM along the Araneta Center South Gate in Quezon City.

Jorge Joseph is the son of popular radio personality Johnny Midnight while Joseph Tecson is among the organizers of the Apo Hiking Society Reunion Concert. Investigation revealed that the group is engaged in peddling high end drugs during concerts and other events.

However, the PDEA chief clarified that there is no direct link between their illegal drug activities and the Apo Hiking Society.

Seized from the suspects were 60 pieces of blue ecstasy tablets with Motorola logo, packed in six plastic sachets with 10 tablets each; several transparent capsules containing white powdery substance; 11 plastic sachets containing cocaine; and three self sealing plastic sachets containing marijuana dried leaves. A marijuana grinder was likewise recovered from their possession and control.

Suspects Richard Brodett and Jorge Joseph attempted to elude arrest by ramming their Black Honda Accord with plate number XPF 551 against the service vehicles used by operatives. They even attempted to run over the agents, thus prompting the law enforcers to shoot in order to disable their vehicle.