Ex-call center agent falls in drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A former call center agent was arrested in a police anti-illegal drug operation evening of June 21, 2022 in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The suspect was identified as Erwin Casten, 44, a resident of Barangay Tacas, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Casten allegedly agreed to sell a sachet of suspected shabu worth P1,100 at Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

After his transaction with the police poseur buyer was consummated, police seized from him four sachets of suspected shabu, the P1,100 marked money, a cigarette pack, and his

Honda motorcycle.

Staff Sergeant Ruel Honggo, Mandurriao police investigator, said that Casten is considered a street-level individual (SLI) drug pusher.

Honggo said that the suspect’s name came into police’s knowledge after a confidential informant tipped them off about his illegal drug trade activity.

It was reported that Casten sourced his illegal drug supply from a distributor based in Iloilo City.

The suspect is now detained and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).