Drug ring leader falls in La Union

AGOO, La Union -- A notorious drug ring leader was arrested by anti-narcotics agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Region 1 on Nov. 4.

PDEA had tailed suspect Michael Lagasca, also known as Kenneth Lagasca, for three months before the sting operation here in Barangay Sta. Ana.

Bismark Bengwayan, spokesman of the PDEA-Region 1 said Lagasca, 32, started as a street pusher, turned supplier and finally leading the Calica Drug Group operating in La Union up to Pangasinan. The suspect was both in the PDEA and PNP “Top Priority Target List”.

Three plastic sachets of shabu, a cellular phone and the buy bust money were recovered from the suspect.

“This is a big blow to the drug groups’ activities; we are currently working out a strategy in arresting the remaining members and totally stop their [operations],” newly installed PDEA-region 1 chief Director Rogelio Cabrera said.

Lagasca is now facing violations of sections 5 and 11 of Article II of RA 9165 (selling and possession of illegal drugs).