By Jennifer P. Rendon and Felipe V. Celino
A 38-year-old jobless woman was arrested in a PHP1.7-million anti-drug operation in Barangay Balijuagan, Roxas City, late Friday, Feb. 7.
The suspect, identified as Jessa Galicano, a resident of Barangay Poblacion Norte, Ivisan, Capiz, was apprehended in a buy-bust operation led by the Capiz Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (CPPO-PDEU) and the Roxas City Police Station.
Police said Galicano sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP20,000 to an undercover operative.
Upon frisking, authorities seized 49 more sachets of suspected shabu, weighing approximately 250 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP1.7 million.
A Honda Click 125 motorcycle was also confiscated.
Colonel Albert Tapulao, Capiz police chief, said that despite the large volume of illegal drugs seized, the suspect denied any involvement in the drug trade.
However, police said Galicano is a high-value individual (HVI) who has been under surveillance since last year.
Authorities believe she took over drug operations after her partner was arrested last year for illegal possession of a firearm and explosives.
This was not her first arrest, as she had previously been jailed for the same offense but was released after entering a plea bargaining agreement.
Galicano is now detained at the Roxas City Police Station and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).