By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two women were arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Iloilo province and Iloilo City on April 6, with authorities seizing a combined PHP1.8 million worth of suspected shabu.
In Dueñas, Iloilo, a 21-year-old woman identified only as “Kathy,” a resident of Barangay Igang, Pototan, was arrested in a buy-bust operation on the afternoon of April 6.
Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 2, along with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6, Dueñas Municipal Police Station, and IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, carried out the operation.
Kathy allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover officer for PHP6,100.
Upon frisking, operatives recovered three more large sachets of suspected shabu from her possession.
Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the seized drugs weighed approximately 160 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP1,088,000.
Police reports indicated that Kathy is on the PNP and PDEA regional watchlist of illegal drug personalities.
She is currently detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
In Jaro, Iloilo City, a 40-year-old salon owner identified as “Cheryl,” a resident of Barangay San Isidro, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Camalig village on the morning of April 6.
Members of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 6, Iloilo City Police Station 3, and PDEA Region 6 conducted the operation.
Cheryl allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a poseur buyer before authorities discovered two more sachets and two knot-tied plastic packs of the illegal drug in her possession.
Her Mitsubishi Mirage sedan was also seized during the operation.
Police said the confiscated drugs weighed about 105 grams with an estimated street value of PHP714,000.
Cheryl denied involvement in the illegal drug trade and claimed she was not a drug user.
On Friday evening, another suspect was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Progreso, Lapuz.
The suspect, “Leah,” 49, a resident of Barangay Calaparan, Arevalo and temporarily residing in Barangay Loboc, Lapuz, was arrested with around PHP34,000 worth of suspected shabu.
The two women are now in police custody and will face charges under Republic Act 9165.