Suspect nabbed, pal escapes PHP 1.5M drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 25-year-old woman was arrested in an anti-illegal drug operation late May 14 in Estancia, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspect only as alias Crystal, a resident of Barangay Poblacion Zone 2 in Estancia.

Crystal was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Mata Village, Barangay Botongon, Estancia.

Police said Crystal’s companion, alias Earl, 34, of Barangay Poblacion in Ajuy, Iloilo, evaded arrest.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, and the Estancia Municipal Police Station carried out the operation after the suspects allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 6,600.

Earl fled, leaving Crystal behind, police said.

Police also seized five more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items from Crystal’s possession.

Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the seized drugs weighed about 230 grams and had an estimated street value of PHP 1,564,000.

Crystal is detained while police prepare charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against the suspects.

RA 9165 penalizes the sale, possession, and distribution of dangerous drugs, including shabu, the local term for methamphetamine hydrochloride.