Couple yields P1.1-M shabu in Negros buy-bust


ONE-hundred seventy grams of suspected shabu worth P1.1 million were seized from a couple in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Camugao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Wednesday, July 20. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)
BACOLOD CITY – Police seized 170 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1.1 million from a couple in a buy-bust operation in Purok Santan, Barangay Camugao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Wednesday, July 20.

Police identified the suspects as Jomy, 42, and Leosella Consular, 37, both residents of Barangay Hilamonan, Kabankalan.

Police Lt. Dennis Melgarejo, Kabankalan deputy police chief, said the couple was considered high-value individuals after more than 50 grams of shabu were confiscated from them.

Melgarejo said they subjected Leosella to an operation, after a week of monitoring, following information about her alleged engagement in the illegal drugs trade.

Poverty allegedly pushed the couple to engage in the illegal activity as the income of Jomy from driving a tricycle was not enough to support the needs of their family, Melgarejo said.

Melgarejo said the couple refused to reveal the source of the illegal drugs.

The couple will be charged for sale and illegal possession of dangerous drugs while Jomy will have an additional case for conspiracy, according to Melgarejo.