Couple arrested for selling shabu

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Special Operations Group-7 has arrested an alleged Level 3 drug pusher in a buy-bust operation early morning in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City yesterday.

Shabu worth over half a million was seized during the operation.

Harley Jacaban, 29, and his wife, Josephine, 29, were arrested after they sold packs of shabu to a police decoy. Harley was arrested in the past for the same offense.

The couple’s two children aged 6 and 9 are now in the custody of their relatives.

Police hatched the operation after two weeks of surveillance, said Supt. Rex Derilo, deputy chief of Regional Intelligence 7 and chief of RSOG.

Derilo said they made contact with Harley and negotiated to buy shabu worth P400. Yesterday, it was reportedly Harley who received the buy-bust money and handed it over to his wife, Josephine, for safekeeping.

The couple did not deny selling illegal drugs but said they aren’t the big fish. Josephine said they were forced to venture into such trade because of their debts when Harley was arrested in the past for the same offense. The case against him was eventually dismissed.

She said they used to sell mangoes but their trees reportedly stopped bearing fruit.

RSOG-7 learned that Harley could dispose of 300 grams of shabu every week, which makes him a Level 3 drug pusher.

Police also recovered several packs of shabu weighing about 50 grams and P12,000 cash believed to be proceeds from the trade.

 During investigation, the couple disclosed that they got their supply from a certain “Ken” who is detained at the New Bilibid Prison. They reportedly pay him via money transfer.

Police will investigate how the arrangement was made possible considering the circumstances.

 Last Saturday, they allegedly received a fresh supply in time for Sinulog. – (FREEMAN)