Young woman caught with PHP 986,000 worth of shabu

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 24-year-old woman was arrested for possession of nearly PHP 1 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in New Lucena, Iloilo, on Nov. 30.

The suspect, identified only by the alias Lehnel, is a resident of Barangay Poblacion in New Lucena.

She was apprehended in an operation led by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) late Friday afternoon.

Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said officers seized approximately 145 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect.

The confiscated drugs have an estimated street value of PHP 986,000, based on the standard drug price.

Delima said the operation stemmed from tips received from concerned residents about Lehnel’s alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Authorities conducted nearly a year of surveillance and validation before confirming her activities.

Investigators said she allegedly sourced her supply from Metro Manila and distributed it in New Lucena.

Lehnel is currently detained at the New Lucena Municipal Police Station.

She faces criminal charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.