Ex-con couple arrested in PHP 2 million drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A couple landed back in jail after police arrested them in an anti-narcotics operation on the evening of Jan. 5 in City Proper, Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects as alias TangTang, 48, and his live-in partner, Shella, 30, both residents of Barangay Ilawod Sur, Zarraga, Iloilo.

The suspects were arrested at TangTang’s house in Barangay Tanza Bonifacio, City Proper.

Operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, the Regional Intelligence Division 6, the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 6, and the Iloilo City Police Station 7 conducted the operation.

Police said the suspects allegedly conspired to sell one sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 14,000 during the buy-bust operation.

After the arrest, authorities seized four knot-tied plastic packs and eight additional sachets of suspected shabu.

Maj. Marvin Villanueva, deputy chief of RPDEU-6, said the seized drugs weighed about 320 grams with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 2,176,000.

Police records showed TangTang was previously arrested in 2010 for robbery and was released in 2017 after serving his sentence.

Shella, meanwhile, was arrested for a drug-related offense in May 2024.

She availed herself of a plea bargaining agreement and was released in October 2024.

Villanueva said TangTang was the primary target of the buy-bust operation.

An informant reportedly tipped police off about TangTang’s alleged drug-peddling activities.

Police said the suspect refused to disclose his source and only claimed the drugs were delivered to his house.

TangTang and Shella are now detained and will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.