By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two women were arrested with PHP1.36 million worth of suspected shabu in separate anti-drug operations in Iloilo City on May 19.
The suspects were identified as Helen, 52, of Zone 3, Barangay San Juan, Molo, and Meryl, 28, of Barangay Tanza, City Proper district.
Helen was arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted at her home while celebrating her birthday.
Operatives from Iloilo City Police Station 4 apprehended her after she sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP4,500.
Police also recovered two additional sachets and a knot-tied plastic pack of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items.
Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, chief of ICPS 4, said the seized drugs weighed around 100 grams with an estimated value of PHP680,000.
Inot said Helen had a previous drug-related arrest in 2020 and was released a year later after availing of a plea bargaining agreement.
She had been under surveillance for more than two months before her arrest.
Meanwhile, Meryl was arrested at around 11 p.m. on the same day in Barangay Tanza Bonifacio, City Proper.
Iloilo City Police Station 7 operatives arrested her after she sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP15,000.
Police also confiscated 18 additional sachets of suspected shabu and other non-drug paraphernalia from her possession.
Like Helen, Meryl was found with approximately 100 grams of shabu, also valued at PHP680,000.
Capt. Michael Tuburan, chief of ICPS 7, said Meryl had no previous drug-related arrest.
Her name surfaced following tips from concerned residents, prompting police surveillance.
Both suspects are detained and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
