Rider without helmet caught in possession of Shabu at Balbalan police checkpoint

Balbalan, Kalinga – Not wearing a helmet while riding in Balbalan has cost a 45-year-old motorist his freedom after his traffic violation led to the discovery of his possession of illegal contraband.

Police officers in Balbalan led by PCapt. Tyrone John Balanay were conducting a checkpoint in Sitio Bonong, Tawang, around 4:05 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, when they saw the suspect, whom they flagged down for not wearing a helmet while riding his Honda motorcycle.

The man’s violation, however, did not end there, as suspected shabu was found in his possession.

PCapt. Balanay said the suspected sachet of illegal substance fell off from a box when the suspect, whose name was withheld, retrieved his motorcycle’s documents from a ziplock. This, he said, led the cops to arrest him and read him his rights.

Another sachet of the same substance, moreover, was retrieved from the 45-year-old’s pocket after a body search.  

Barangay officials were called to witness the on-site inventory of the seized evidence. The suspect was brought to the Balbalan Municipal Police Station, awaiting charges.