Live-In Partners Caught With PHP 5-M Illegal Drugs

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A live-in couple was arrested early Tuesday morning, March 4, in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Capiz Police Provincial Office in Barangay Banica, Roxas City.

Authorities identified the suspects as Dustin Eslabon, also known as “Justin,” 22, of Barangay Cogon, Panay town, and Angel de Jose, also known as “Angel,” 21, of Panitan, both in Capiz.

According to Police Captain Gary Diaz, PDEU chief, a police poseur buyer purchased a sachet of suspected shabu from the male suspect for PHP 5,500 in marked money.

During the operation, police recovered 19 more sachets of suspected shabu weighing 75 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 506,000.

The suspects denied selling illegal drugs but admitted to using them.

Charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against the pair.

Police records revealed that a relative of Eslabon, alias Justin, had also been involved in the illegal drug trade in previous years.

The suspects are currently detained at the Roxas City Police Station for proper disposition.