Couple arrested in P748K drug bust in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A married couple was arrested during a police anti-narcotics operation on the evening of June 25 in the City Proper district of Iloilo City.

Edgar Namang and Jackie Namang, both 53 years old and residents of Barangay Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City, were apprehended following a buy-bust operation at their stall in Iloilo Central Market at Barangay Maria Clara, City Proper.

Edgar, from Bago City, Negros Occidental, and Jackie, from Himamaylan, Negros Occidental, sell flowers, chicharon, and other food ingredients.

The couple allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu worth P13,000.

Following their arrest, members of the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) seized sachets of suspected shabu weighing 110 grams, valued at P748,000.

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez Jr., CDEU chief, said they had received persistent reports of the suspects’ involvement in the illegal drug trade about two months ago.

Police operatives then conducted surveillance for two weeks before arresting the couple.

Benitez stated that Edgar had been arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Bago City in 2016. He was released two years later following a plea bargaining agreement.

Jackie, on the other hand, had no previous criminal record.

The suspects are now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).