BACOLOD CITY -- A couple was arrested in a buy-bust in Barangay Punta Taytay here on Friday, with the police operatives seizing 174 grams of suspected shabu worth P1,183,200.
Arrested were Pearl Je-Ann Elera, 26, and live-in partner Riegel Troy Quimba, 20, both residents of the said village.
Police Lt. Joven Mogato, head of City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), said Elera was arrested for a drug offense in January 2020, but was released from jail in August of the same year through plea bargaining.
According to the police, both suspects are considered high value individuals.
Mogato said Elera allegedly got his drug supply from her stepfather, who was also reportedly arrested for a drug offense and imprisoned at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.
Mogato, however, said they will verify such information, considering the strict policy of NBP on their persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).
Aside from that, Elera’s uncle was also arrested last month in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Sum-ag here, along with his live-in partner.
Elera, in a media interview, denied the said allegation. The couple is detained at Police Station 9.