Garbage Truck Driver Arrested After Minor Crash Leads Police to Suspected Shabu and Gun in Cebu
NAGA CITY, CEBU, PHILIPPINES — What started as a minor traffic accident ended with the arrest of a private garbage truck driver after police allegedly found suspected shabu and a .45-caliber pistol inside his sling bag.
The incident happened at around 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, in Barangay South Poblacion, Naga City, Cebu.
Police identified the suspect as Edwin Rico Alferez, 47, a resident of Barangay Guindarohan in Minglanilla, Cebu.
According to the initial police investigation, Alferez was driving a private garbage truck and was reportedly on his way to Aloguinsan to dispose of garbage when his vehicle allegedly sideswiped a private car along the National Highway in Barangay East Poblacion.
But when both parties were brought to the police station to settle the traffic incident, the situation reportedly took an unexpected turn.
Minor collision leads to bigger discovery
Police said Alferez was asked to present his driver's licence and documents related to the truck.
However, he allegedly refused and claimed that the documents were with a co-worker.
Investigators reportedly became suspicious after noticing that the documents appeared to be inside the driver's sling bag.
When police checked the bag, authorities allegedly discovered a .45-caliber pistol loaded with five live rounds.
Police said the driver was unable to present documents authorising him to possess the firearm.
According to the report, Alferez allegedly told authorities that the gun had merely been entrusted to him and was supposed to be sold.
Three packets of suspected shabu allegedly found
The discovery did not end with the firearm.
During a further search of the bag, police said they also allegedly recovered three packets containing suspected shabu.
The substances are expected to form part of the evidence in the case, subject to the proper handling and legal procedures.
Police also said the driver appeared disoriented when he arrived at the station.
Police Master Sgt. Aristeo Tampus, an investigator at the Naga City Police Station, said Alferez had been involved in an argument with the driver of the vehicle he allegedly sideswiped and was repeatedly moving in and out of the police office.
From traffic violation to criminal complaints
What initially appeared to be a routine traffic incident has now resulted in potentially serious legal consequences.
Aside from a Temporary Operator's Permit (TOP) issued in connection with the traffic violation, police said Alferez may face complaints involving:
- Alleged illegal possession of a firearm
- Alleged illegal possession of ammunition
- Alleged violations of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act
The exact charges and criminal liability will ultimately be determined through the appropriate legal and judicial process.
Cebu police continue crackdown on drugs and illegal firearms
The latest arrest comes as authorities in Cebu continue operations targeting illegal drugs and loose firearms.
In a separate weekly report covering Aug. 24 to 30, the Cebu Police Provincial Office said it conducted dozens of anti-drug operations that resulted in 46 arrests and the confiscation of more than P1 million worth of suspected shabu. Police also carried out operations targeting illegal firearms.
The Naga City case, however, reportedly began in a completely different way.
There was no announced drug buy-bust.
No planned firearm operation.
Instead, the alleged discoveries were made after a garbage truck driver was taken to the police station following a traffic incident.
Police investigation continues
Authorities are expected to continue investigating several key questions surrounding the case, including:
- Where the suspected drugs allegedly came from
- Whether the driver was connected to a larger drug operation
- Who legally owned the firearm, if anyone
- Whether the firearm was indeed intended for sale
- Whether other individuals were connected to the alleged possession of the gun and suspected drugs
The substance recovered by authorities would also need to undergo the appropriate examination and evidentiary procedures.
For now, the allegations against Alferez remain subject to investigation and due process.
The bottom line
A 47-year-old private garbage truck driver was arrested in Naga City, Cebu, after a minor vehicle collision led police to allegedly discover a .45-caliber pistol with five live rounds and three packets of suspected shabu inside his sling bag.
Police said Edwin Rico Alferez had been driving toward Aloguinsan to dispose of garbage when his truck allegedly sideswiped another vehicle.
The two drivers were brought to the police station, where Alferez was asked to present his documents.
Police said what happened next turned a routine traffic incident into a far more serious case.
A minor crash.
A trip to the police station.
Then an alleged gun and suspected drugs inside a bag.
The driver may now face complaints involving firearms and drug laws as the investigation continues.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D