Couple falls in drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

A couple who allegedly dabbled in the illegal drug trade was arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation Sunday evening in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects as Roselyn dela Cruz, 21, a resident of Barangay Sinikway, Lapuz, Iloilo City; and her live-in partner Roel Matin, Sr., 42, of Barangay Ticud, LaPaz district.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Station 6 arrested the couple 11:35 p.m. at Barangay Sto. Niño Norte.

Captain Chen Tañagras, ICPS6 chief, claimed that both suspects are considered as street level pushers.

Dela Cruz, whom Tañagras said was a commercial sex worker, was the subject of the anti-illegal drug operations.

Authorities learned that she has allegedly been peddling shabu since last year.

To evade getting caught, dela Cruz delivered the order while Matin was in charge of getting the payment at a different area.

In some instances, they also accept payment through GCash or money remittance center.

In the case of Sunday’s operation, a police poseur-buyer paid ahead of the exchange.

But the shabu was not delivered, as the couple claimed they ran out of supply.

After some prodding, the couple made good of the transaction, but the police were able to convince them that they should deliver the drugs together to foster “trust.”

Recovered from the suspects were a sachet of suspected shabu, P6,000 marked money, two black wallets with P560 cash, and a mobile phone.

Tañagras said that it was the couple’s first arrest in their area.

Police are still checking if they had previous records or surrendered through Oplan Tokhang.

Dela Cruz and Matin are now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).