PHP 680K Shabu Bust Nabs Suspects Targeting Students

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two suspected drug dealers who allegedly catered to students were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the evening of Oct. 1 in Molo, Iloilo City.

Mark John Valenzuela, 25, of Barangay Calumpang, Molo, and Jenifred Dela Cruz, 58, a construction worker from Barangay Guzman-Jesena, Mandurriao district, were apprehended during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Taal, Molo.

The suspects reportedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 14,000 to a police poseur buyer.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), in coordination with Iloilo City Police Station 4, confiscated 11 more sachets of suspected shabu, PHP 920 in cash, and several non-drug items from the suspects.

Captain Ryan Christ Inot, CDEU team leader and ICPS4 chief, stated that the seized drugs weighed around 100 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 680,000.

Two other individuals, identified as Mark Joseph, 33, a construction worker from Barangay Hibao-an Sur, Mandurriao, and Marcial, 26, a student and resident of Barangay Poblacion, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, were also arrested.

The two were with Valenzuela and Dela Cruz at the time of the operation and intended to purchase shabu and engage in a pot session at Valenzuela’s place.

Valenzuela and Dela Cruz had been on the police radar following complaints that they were allegedly supplying shabu to high school and college students in Molo.

The suspects reportedly enticed students to pool their money to buy the illegal drug.

None of the four suspects had prior arrests. They are now detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.