By Felipe V. Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A young couple was apprehended during a drug buy-bust operation on the evening of March 16 in Barangay Cogon Panay, Capiz, facing allegations of illegal drug and firearm offenses.
Police Lt. Aaron Darhyl Villanueva, the chief of Panay police, stated that charges are being prepared against Kenjie Blancaflor, 18, from Brgy. Agbalo, Panay, and his 17-year-old girlfriend from Brgy. Tabuc Sur, Panitan town, for breaching RA 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and RA 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
The pair was detained at approximately 11:47 pm in the buy-bust operation. Authorities retrieved three sachets of suspected shabu, P500 in buy-bust money, a 12-gauge shotgun of the break type with two live rounds, a red pouch, and a black sling bag from Blancaflor.
Police have assessed the confiscated illegal substance to weigh around 3 grams, with a market value estimated at P20,400.
Currently, both suspects are in the custody of the Panay PNP. The minor involved in the case is set to be handed over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for appropriate handling.