Pubdate: Thu, 15 Jul 2004
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
Note:  also listed for feedback
Author: Raquel C. Bagnol

MAN GETS 37-YEAR TERM FOR DRUG POSSESSION

A 27-YEAR-OLD was convicted for keeping methampethamine hydrochloride 
(shabu), dried marijuana leaves and shabu paraphernalia inside his house in 
Catalunan Pequeno, Davao City last year.

In an eight-page decision, RTC Branch 9 Judge Renato Fuentes also ordered 
Jessrile Osuyos to pay a total of P620,000 as fines to his three counts of 
violation of the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act 
of 2002.

Prosecution evidence showed that elements of the Philippine Drug 
Enforcement Agency (PDEA), barangay officials and some members of the media 
conducted a search at the house of Osuyos in Catalunan Pequeno at around 
12:25 a.m. on February 20, 2003.

They were armed with a search warrant issued by Judge Salvador Ibarreta of 
RTC Branch 8.

As a result of the search, the police authorities were able to confiscate a 
sachet of shabu weighing .4397 grams, four stalks dried marijuana leaves 
weighing 2.1 grams and various shabu paraphernalia.

Osuyos denied the charges in court during his arraignment. He however went 
into hiding and did not show up in all the scheduled hearings. He also 
failed to attend the promulgation of his case last Tuesday, which prompted 
the court to issue warrant of arrest against him.

The case was decided upon uncontroverted evidence since Osuyos did not 
present his evidence for the defense.
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