By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
An estimated P13.6 million worth of suspected shabu was seized following a buy-bust operation at JR Torres, Barangay Singcang-Airport in Bacolod City on Monday evening.
Police identified the arrested as 28-year-old Regine Arroz; her live-in partner, 28-year-old Jun Mar Ibe; and 34-year-old Shiela Mhary Balarao, a house helper.
Based on information provided by the Bacolod City Police Office, the buy-bust operation was conducted by anti-drug operatives of the Philippine National Police-Drug Enforcement Group (PNP-DEG) and the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-6 (RDEU-6) of Police Regional Office 6.
According to police, the suspected shabu was placed inside boxes of milk and cereals and was already detected in Metro Manila by the PNP-DEG.
The anti-drug operatives allowed the shipment to pass through in order for them to track where it would be delivered and once they had confirmed that the delivery had already taken place, they organized the buy-bust operation.
Police also recovered P29,000 in suspected drug proceeds; P1,000 marked money; and P14,000 boodle money.
In a follow-up interview with the suspects, Ibe denied any involvement in the illegal drug trade, and claimed he was in the business of selling feeds.
Balarao also denied any involvement, claiming she had only been serving in the household for a month.
The three are facing illegal drugs charges and are presently detained at the Police Station 8./DGB, WDJ