‘On Probation’ Live-in Couple Nabbed in PHP1M Drug Sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A live-in couple on probation for a drug-related offense was arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation late morning on March 8 in Janiuay, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects as alias Benjie, 43, and alias Khrystell, 26, of Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) Team 2, along with personnel from the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit and Janiuay Municipal Police Station, arrested the couple in a buy-bust operation at Khrystell’s parents’ house in Barangay Caranas, Janiuay.

They allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP6,100 to an undercover police officer.

Authorities also seized three more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items from their possession.

Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the confiscated drugs weighed approximately 155 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of PHP1,054,000.

A day after their arrest, the couple remained uncooperative during questioning.

However, Delima said police learned the suspects had previously been arrested for a drug-related offense a few years ago.

They were released through a plea bargaining agreement and are still on probation.

The couple allegedly sourced their drug supply from Leganes, Iloilo, and operated in towns across Iloilo’s third district.

To avoid detection, they temporarily stayed at Khrystell’s family home in Caranas.

The couple, who have two young children, are now back behind bars and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.