Jobless Father Nabbed for ‘Selling Shabu’ in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A jobless man was arrested in an anti-drug operation on the afternoon of March 26 in Molo, Iloilo City.

The suspect, alias Jemboy, 34, was caught in a buy-bust operation at his home in Zone 4, Barangay San Juan, Molo.

Operatives from the Iloilo City Police Station 4 and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 arrested him after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP5,000.

Police later recovered nine more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items from his possession.

Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, chief of ICPS4, said the confiscated drugs weighed around 50 grams and had an estimated value of PHP340,000.

Reports said Jemboy had no prior drug-related arrest but was listed by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council as an illegal drug personality.

Police began monitoring him after receiving reports from barangay officials and neighbors.

Witnesses noted frequent visitors at his residence, even during early morning hours.

Jemboy admitted to selling illegal drugs from his home.

He claimed he had no other means to support his seven children, whose ages range from 8 months to 15 years old.

His wife is also unemployed.

Jemboy is now detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.