Manila court dismisses drug case against LtGen Santos

A Manila Regional Trial Court dismissed the case against PLtGen. Benjamin Santos Jr., finding no probable cause to link him directly to a P6.7-billion drug bust and violation of the Comprehensive Drugs Act.

Santos was one of two generals among 30 policemen accused of mishandling an operation involving Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo in Tondo, Manila, back in October 2022.

The court ruled that while Santos' presence at the Wealth and Personal Development (WPD) Lending Office was confirmed by CCTV footage, it did not prove his involvement or consent in the alleged staged drug bust.

Judge Danilo Leyve emphasized that mere presence at a crime scene does not constitute conspiracy without additional evidence such as records, witnesses, or testimonies.

Meanwhile, warrants of arrest were issued for Narciso and 27 other police officers involved in the case, with an arraignment scheduled for January 27.