ORMOC CITY-A man and his common-law-wife were apprehended in a buy-bust operation here in the city on April 9.
The arrest followed a swift transaction between the suspect, identified as Paulo Salazar, 30, and an undercover police agent inside his residence in Rafi, Tambulilid.
The operation resulted in Salazar’s arrest and the confiscation of a .38 caliber gun.
Salazar, identified as number 5 on the regional priority target list by Police Major Omar Cartalla, admitted to his involvement in the drug trade, attributing his supply to a tenant named ‘Saysay’ who rents the second floor of his house.
His common-law partner, Monica Catingub, 26, was also taken into custody.
Upon frisking, Salazar was found in possession of sachets containing of suspected shabu weighing 1.8 grams with an estimated value of P12,240.
The gun found on his person was loaded with five live bullets.
Catingub, however, did not have any illegal items on her possession during the frisking.
Both individuals admitted their involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Charges under the Dangerous Drugs Act and Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act have been filed against the couple.
The operation, led by police station 4 and supported by Ormoc’s police stations 2, 3, and 6, as well as the City Drug Enforcement Unit, was carried out effectively.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
