Woman arrested in Iloilo City drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 48-year-old woman was arrested in an anti-drug operation on the evening of September 16 at City Proper, Iloilo City.

Police apprehended Marilo Llantino at her home in Sitio Woodstock, Barangay Gen. Hughes, City Proper, after she allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for ₱2,600.

The operation was conducted by the Iloilo City Police Station 1, in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), PNP Drug Enforcement Group, and Maritime Police Station.

Authorities seized an additional 17 sachets of suspected shabu from Llantino, along with several non-drug items.

According to Capt. Roque Gimeno III, chief of ICPS1, the confiscated drugs weighed about 51 grams with an estimated street value of ₱346,800.

This is Llantino’s first drug-related arrest, although her former companion in the drug trade, known as “Nikki,” was recently apprehended.

Just days earlier, two sisters were arrested in a separate buy-bust operation on September 13 at the New Freedom Grandstand in Barangay Muelley Looney, City Proper.

John Rhea Victoriano, 30, and her half-sister, Khristine Joy Tingala, 28, were caught with 72 grams of shabu valued at ₱489,600.

Authorities revealed that Llantino and the two sisters were acquainted, with the sisters allegedly sourcing drugs from her at times.

Llantino is currently in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.