Couple Caught with PHP932K Worth of Shabu in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A live-in couple was arrested in a police anti-illegal drug operation in Estancia, Iloilo, early morning of June 20.

The suspects were identified only by their aliases: An-An, 22, a house help from Purok 1, Barangay Ipil, Balasan, and her live-in partner Ren-Ren, 22, of Purok 2, Barangay Villa Pani-an, Estancia.

They were apprehended in a buy-bust operation around 1 a.m. Friday in Barangay Lumbia, Estancia.

Capt. Kevin Amorio, Estancia police chief, said the operation yielded about 137.08 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP932,144.

An-An is classified as a high-value individual, while Ren-Ren is tagged as a street-level pusher.

Police said An-An had been previously arrested in September 2023 for a drug-related case in Lemery, Iloilo.

She was released on bail in 2024.

Amorio said the operation followed nearly two months of surveillance and validation based on tips from concerned citizens.

Initial investigation revealed that the couple sourced their supply of illegal drugs from Iloilo City.

The suspects are now in the custody of Estancia Municipal Police Station.

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