Couple nabbed in PHP 3.5 million drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A live-in couple was arrested after they were allegedly caught engaging in the illegal drug trade.

Alias Danny, 60, and his common-law wife, Joecel, 54, were arrested following a buy-bust operation at their home in Barangay Agdahon, Passi City, Iloilo, on Feb. 6.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) apprehended the couple after they allegedly connived in selling illegal drugs to a police poseur-buyer.

Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said police seized 515 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 3,502,000 from the suspects.

Delima said only Danny, a high-value drug personality, was the target of the operation.

Joecel, who was classified as a street-level pusher, allegedly served as his accomplice.

Both suspects were reportedly unemployed.

Police said they launched the operation after receiving information from residents about the couple’s alleged illegal drug activities.

After more than a year of validation and monitoring, operatives said they confirmed the reports.

Police said the suspects sourced the drugs from Capiz and distributed them in nearby barangays of Passi City.

Both suspects are now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.