Couple falls in drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A couple was arrested after they allegedly connived into selling illegal drugs at Lapuz, Iloilo City shelter on April 25, 2023.

Police identified the suspects as Ritz Gardose, 25, of Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, and Yvone Francisco, 34, of  Barangay Alalasan, Lapuz, Iloilo City.

Gardose is a transportation or jeepney barker while Francisco is a stay-at-home mother to their three young children.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) nabbed the couple after allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu at 12:05 a.m. Tuesday at Barangay Jalandoni State, Lapuz.

Recovered from their possession were six more sachets of suspected shabu, an android phone, a sling bag, and a tricycle.

Lieutenant Colonel Antonio Benitez, Jr., CDEU chief, said the seized drugs weighed around 20 grams and has a standard drug price value of P136,000

The couple had no prior drug-related arrests. They were also not subjected to Oplan Tokhang.

Benitez claimed that Gardose and Francisco would alternately sell drugs.

The couple allegedly sourced their supply in Iloilo City.

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