Capiztahan celebration overshadowed by drug arrests

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – As the Capiztahan 2024 festival entered its third day, a live-in couple was arrested for their alleged involvement in an illegal drug trade.

The operation, which took place on Saturday evening, April 13, in San Juan, Barangay Baybay, Roxas City, resulted in the seizure of suspected illegal drugs valued at P578,000.

The Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) spearheaded the sting operation that led to the apprehension of Paolo Aranza, 29, and Mary Nhel Castillo, 28, both residents of Sitio San Juan, Baybay, Roxas City.

During the arrest, officers recovered 17 sachets of suspected illegal substances and associated drug paraphernalia from the suspects.

Aranza and Castillo are currently detained at the Roxas City Police Station, facing charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, also known as Republic Act No. 9165.