GR 205639; (January, 2016) (Digest)
G.R. No. 205639, January 18, 2016
People of the Philippines, Appellee, vs. Anita Miranda y Beltran, Appellant.
FACTS
Appellant Anita Miranda y Beltran was charged with violation of Section 5, Article II of R.A. No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) for the illegal sale of shabu. After surveillance confirmed her involvement, a buy-bust operation was conducted on May 6, 2005. PO2 Mariel D. Rodil acted as poseur-buyer and purchased a plastic sachet of shabu from appellant for P400.00 using marked money. Upon the pre-arranged signal, appellant was arrested. The team, along with Barangay Councilor Arnel Almazan, brought appellant to the police station. An inventory of the seized item was made at the station, attested by the Kill Droga Provincial President, Nicanor Ocampo, Sr. PO2 Rodil marked the sachet with her initials “MDR,” and appellant’s photo was taken. The item was submitted for laboratory examination on the same day, where Forensic Chemist PI Rhea Fe DC Alviar confirmed it tested positive for methamphetamine hydrochloride. Appellant denied the sale, claiming the police entered her house, frisked her, searched the premises, and brought her to the station where she was asked to point to shabu on a table. The RTC found her guilty and sentenced her to life imprisonment and a P500,000 fine, a decision affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
ISSUE
Whether the prosecution established the chain of custody of the seized dangerous drug, thereby proving appellant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt for illegal sale of shabu.
RULING
The Supreme Court DISMISSED the appeal and AFFIRMED the decision of the Court of Appeals. The prosecution successfully established the chain of custody of the seized shabu. After the buy-bust, PO2 Rodil maintained possession until the police station, where an inventory was conducted and witnessed, the item was marked, and photos were taken. PO2 Rodil then submitted the marked item to the crime laboratory, where it was received, examined, and confirmed positive for shabu. The forensic chemist identified the same item in court. The police sufficiently preserved the integrity and evidentiary value of the seized drug, complying with the prescribed procedure. The penalty of life imprisonment and a P500,000 fine was proper under the law.