ILOILO CITY -- An estimated PHP750,000 worth of suspected shabu were seized by authorities during a buy-bust operation Tuesday afternoon.
The suspects, Raymond S. Baclado, 28, from Mandaue City and Janice S. Pansoy, 22, from Naga, Cebu, were arrested during a buy–bust operation in Barangay Tanza Esperanza Zone 1 at 5:30 p.m.
The operatives, composed of the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit (RDEU), Iloilo City Police Office 1 and the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA), bought from the couple one medium heat-sealed sachet of shabu worth PHP4,500.
An additional 21 sachets were recovered from their possession.
The couple arrived in Iloilo City last December 10 and rented a room at Barangay Tanza Esperanza, City Proper. The supplies allegedly were intended for distribution during the Dinagyang Festival slated from January 25 to January 27 this year.
Senior Supt. Martin Defensor, Director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), in a press conference Wednesday said the RDEU has been expecting the entry of drugs due to the volume of merrymakers.
“We are expecting that there will be more coming in but we assure you that the PNP (Philippine National Police) will not sleep on its job,” he said as he underscored the support of the community in the arrest of the suspects.
He said that it was one of the local residents who tipped them about the presence of the two suspects.
He added the PNP is well-coordinated in other cities and provinces and they exchange rogue galleries during their intelligence fusion.
The suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. (PNA)
