Couple falls in P170K drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A live-in couple was arrested following a police anti-narcotics operation afternoon of Sept 25, 2022 in Arevalo, Iloilo.

Jamel Hadji Ali and Shane Solito, both 32 years old, were arrested at their home in Project 5, Barangay Sooc, Arevalo.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU)-6 collared the couple after allegedly conspiring to sell three sachets of suspected shabu for P15,000.

Recovered from their possession were the buy-bust money, seventeen sachets of suspected shabu, a sling bag, and a mobile phone.

Lieutenant Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said that the seized substance weighed around 25 grams and was valued at P170,000.

Ali is considered a high-value individual while Solito is classified as a street-level pusher.

Ali was jailed after he was arrested in a buy-bust operation in 2016.

He was released from jail after availing of the plea bargaining agreement in February 2022.

Soliman said their office had been receiving numerous reports that while they sell small volumes of drugs, the couple managed to attract more clients.

Ali and Solito are now detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).