Woman nabbed in buy-bust; husband linked to Sabalones

CEBU, Philippines - The wife of an alleged cohort of self-confessed drug Lord Franz Sabalones was arrested in a buy-bust operation Tuesday evening in Sitio Upper Barangay Linao-Lipata, Minglanilla, Cebu.

Suspect was identified as Agnes Delos Santos, 44, who successfully transacted with the police poseur-buyer.  Her husband, Joseph “Jekie” Mancelita Delos Santos, was able to elude arrest.

Police Superintendent Dexter Calacar of the Minglanilla Police Station said they have received reports regarding Joseph’s illegal operations, as well as his connections with Sabalones.

Joseph was considered as a high-value target in the town. His area of illegal drug trade includes San Fernando, Barili and the cities of Naga and Talisay.

Joseph also has a standing warrant of arrest for violation of RA 9165, in which the police believe he is aware of, making it difficult for the authorities to trace and arrest him.

He was placed under surveillance for more than a year. Last Tuesday night, police were able to conduct a buy-bust operation against him, but the target was able to escape.

During the operation, it was Agnes who completed the transaction with the police poseur-buyer for the sale of two medium packs of suspected shabu in exchange of the P14,000 marked money.

Police were able to seize from Agnes’ possession 39 small packs, two medium and one large packs of suspected shabu, weighing 20 grams and valued at P250,000, and P5000 believed to be proceeds from the couple’s illegal drug trade. (FREEMAN)