Mandaluyong couple arrested for drug pushing

A couple, tagged as the source of illegal drugs in their neighborhood in Mandaluyong City, was arrested yesterday during separate operations staged by the Eastern Police District (EPD) police officers.

Senior Inspector Conrado Quilala Jr., head of the EPD’s district special projects unit (DSPU) identified the suspects as Ireneo Gascon, 41, and his live-in partner Karen Alfonso, 27, both residents of Mariveles street in Barangay Highway Hills.

Quilala said his men conducted a buy-bust operation at 2:45 a.m. after receiving numerous complaints against Gascon, who is reportedly a notorious drug pusher in the area.

Reports said when a police officer who posed as a buyer handed the P300 marked money to Gascon, the suspect noticed the presence of police officers in the area and ran into his house and escaped through the roof of an adjoining house.

A hysterical Alfonso prevented the police officers from chasing Gascon. However, a sachet of shabu fell to the floor from Alfonso’s person. She was put under arrest.

At the police station, Alfonso admitted that Gascon is her lover and said she knows where to locate him.

Gascon was caught during a follow-up operation in a house on Sinag street in Barangay Mauway. The two are now detained at the EPD headquarters in Pasig City while charges are being prepared against them.    – Non Alquitran