TRADER GETS LIFE FOR SHABU

A BUSINESSMAN will spend the rest of his life in jail after the court found
him guilty of possession of more than 200 grams of shabu.

Regional Trial Court Judge Raphael Yrastorza Sr. yesterday convicted
Joselito Cosme for illegal possession and peddling of shabu, a violation of
the Dangerous Drugs Law.

He will have to pay P1 million as fine.

Members of the Cebu City's Vice Control Section arrested Cosme on Dec. 21,
2000 during a buy-bust operation in barangay T. Padilla, shortly after he
handed over 3.74 grams of shabu to the policeman who posed as buyer.

Police found four other packs of shabu "in front of his underwear"when
Cosme was frisked.

The four packs of shabu weighed 219.14 grams.

Yrastorza said the court is convinced that Cosme indeed "sold, delivered
and gave awaya" 3.74 grams of shabu worth P2,000.

The judge also ruled that the body search on the accused was a "valid
search incident to a lawful arrest."

Citing jurisprudence, the judge said, "It was ruled that the individual
being arrested may be frisked for concealed weapons, that may be used
against the arresting officer and all unlawful articles found in his person
or within his immediate control may be seized."

For selling the illegal substance, Cosme was sentenced to imprisonment of
six months to two years.