PHP 360,400 shabu seized in Roxas buy-bust

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Some PHP 360,400 worth of suspected shabu was recovered from three drug suspects in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Capiz Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit on Thursday morning, May 14, at Purok 1, Barangay Libas, Roxas City.

Reports from the Capiz PDEU identified the suspects as Eduard Jacinto, 40, a high-value individual, priority target, and resident of Barangay Libas; Frencis Joy Belo, 26, a street-level individual, live-in partner of the target person, and resident of Barangay Cogon, Panitan, Capiz; and Nestor Fernandez, 28, a street-level individual, tricycle driver, and resident of Barangay Dayao here.

Recovered from the suspects were 16 sachets of suspected shabu weighing 53 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 360,400, and PHP 10,000 in buy-bust money.

Police said they had long been monitoring the alleged illegal activities of Jacinto and his live-in partner, Belo, before the operation was conducted.

The suspects are under the custody of the Roxas City Police Station, while charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, will be filed against them.