Couple arrested in buy-bust

CEBU, Philippines - Two suspected drug pushers were arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement (PDEA)-7 along Macapagal Highway, Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City last Tuesday.

Jerah Lopez, 30 and her live-in partner Elias Prieto, 46, of Suba, Purok 5, Barangay Talavera are now detained at the Toledo City police stockade while charges for violation of sections 5 and 11 of RA 9165 are being prepared.

The couple was arrested after Lopez handed one medium pack of shabu to an undercover agent. Lopez’ live-in partner who is said to be conniving with her was also placed under arrest.

The PDEA-7 operatives seized from the suspects three packs of shabu worth P12,000 and the P2,000 buy-bust money.

Intelligence Officer 2 Jelou Anthony Paca, who led the operation, said they conducted two-week surveillance prior to the operation.

The couple is allegedly level two drug pushers capable of selling five grams of shabu in two to three days. They also supply drugs in the nearby towns of Toledo City.

“We received information nga nalipay ang mga taga-Talavera kay nadakpan na gyud ni sila (residents of Talavera are happy that the suspects were finally arrested),” Paca said in a phone interview.— (FREEMAN)