Couple arrested with PHP2.24M shabu

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A couple was arrested with more than PHP 2.24 million worth of suspected shabu in a police anti-narcotics operation early Feb. 10 in Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects as “Boss,” 33, of District 3, Sibalom, Antique, and his live-in partner, “Marian,” 25, of Barangay Tabuc Suba, Jaro.

The two were apprehended in a buy-bust operation conducted along a roadside in the village.

Operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 6, Regional Intelligence Division 6, Antique Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, and Iloilo City Police Station 9 jointly carried out the operation.

Authorities said the suspects sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 13,000 to a police poseur-buyer.

Police recovered 14 more sachets and four knot-tied plastic bags of suspected shabu, a Taurus pistol, and assorted drug and non-drug paraphernalia.

Major Marvin Villanueva, deputy chief of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, said the seized drugs weighed about 330 grams with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 2,244,000.

Police tagged “Boss” as a high-value individual and the primary target of the operation.

Investigators said he was engaged in the buy-and-sell of vehicles and was using a client’s vehicle at the time of his arrest.

Police said he may have used clients’ vehicles when sourcing illegal drugs from Antique province.

Authorities added that his areas of distribution included the first district of Iloilo province and Iloilo City.

Police records showed that both suspects have no prior drug-related arrests.

The two will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

“Boss” will also be charged with violating Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.