Another drug suspect was meted a life sentence for selling shabu and another 14 years maximum for illegal possession yesterday by Regional Trial Court Branch 30 Judge Rafael Crescencio Tan Jr. at the Hall of Justice in Barangay Piapi, Dumaguete City.

Tan slapped the life term sentence on Johnny Ireño, 34, single, a resident of Sitio Canday-ong, Barangay Calindagan, Dumaguete City. Ireño was prosecuted under Sec. 5, Art. II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He was also fined a total of P800,000.

Ireño was arrested by elements of Task Force 24 in February 2004 following reports he was peddling shabu in the barangay. In an interview, Ireño claimed his side was not listened to and considered by the presiding judge.*JG

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