Live-in couple nabbed with P4.96-M worth of shabu

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Almost P5 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in a police anti-narcotics operation late afternoon of Jan. 31 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

The operation led to the arrest of Dindo Salonga, 43, and his live-in partner Dina Gordoncillo, 40, both residents of Zone 12, Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo, Iloilo City.

The couple was arrested at Deca Homes 3, Phase 2 at Barangay Balabag, Sta. Barbara where they are temporarily staying.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, together with the Sta. Barbara Municipal Police Station nabbed the suspects for allegedly selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P26,000.

Recovered from their possession were eight knot-tied and six plastic sachets of suspected shabu, cash of P1,200, a sling bag, a digital weighing scale, a mobile phone, and other non-drug items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said the seized drugs weighed around 730 grams with a standard drug price of P4,964,000.

Salonga’s alleged illegal drug trade was discovered following the arrest of a minor in a buy-bust operation in Arevalo, Iloilo City last year.

Salonga is considered a regional priority high value individual while Gordoncillo is also an HVI.

The two had previous arrests and had been known to change addresses.

Soliman said the couple sourced their supply from a distributor in Iloilo City.

Salonga and Gordoncillo are now detained and would be charged for violation of violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).