BACOLOD CITY – About 500 grams of suspected shabu worth P3.4 million were seized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Negros Oriental from a senior citizen in a buy-bust operation outside the Dumaguete City port in Barangay Looc Wednesday.
PDEA Negros Oriental head Francisfil Tangeres identified the suspect as Evelyn Jimenez, 63, a “sari-sari” (variety) store owner, while his relative, Jovic Calibo, who was the subject of the operation, is at large.
Tangeres said they were talking to Calibo over the phone regarding the transaction but he sent Jimenez to meet the poseur-buyer.
Tangeres said they placed both of them under monitoring for a month before conducting the operation. He added that both suspects are reportedly noted conspiring in the illegal drugs trade, as some of their family members have been previously arrested for the same offense.
Tangeres said they do not know yet where the illegal drugs came from as Jimenez claimed she didn't know the source.
With the huge volume of the drug recovery, Tangeres said both suspects were considered high value targets.
Tangeres said Jimenez and Calibo will be charged for violating Section 5 in relation to Section 26 of Republic Act (RA) 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Jimenez is detained at Dumaguete City Police Station.