Couple, pal nabbed in drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

A couple and their friend were arrested following a police anti-narcotics operation afternoon of October 3 at Jaro, Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects as Michael Velasco, 38, of Barangay Poblacion Lambunao, Iloilo, and his live-in partner Jackilou Caberti, 36, of Barangay Bitoon Jaro; and Fritz Andico, 35, of Barangay Old Airport, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), together with the Iloilo City Police Station 3, collared the suspects after they allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu for P1,000 to a police poseur buyer.

Recovered from the suspects were 23 sachets of suspected shabu, the marked money, and several non-drug items.

Lieutenant Marlon Perez of ICPO-CDEU said that the seized drugs weighed around 15 grams and has a standard drug price of P102,000.

According to CDEU reports, Velasco and Andico had previous arrests for illegal drugs.

They were incarcerated but went out of jail after availing of a plea bargaining agreement.

Perez said Velasco was the target of the operation but his live-in partner is well aware of his activity.

After all, Velasco’s supplier is allegedly someone related by affinity to Caberti.

Andico, on the other hand, served as the couple’s alleged runner.

Aside from Iloilo City, the suspects’ areas of operation included nearby towns.

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