TAGOLOAN, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – A manicurist and her live-in partner were arrested in a drug buy-bust operation in Zone 5, Barangay Natumolan, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental. Authorities also discovered that a small hut beside the suspect’s house was being used as a drug den.
The suspect, identified as alias “Mary,” 46 years old, claimed that financial hardship led her to engage in illegal drug activities. She explained that after separating from her husband, she had to raise her five children alone, prompting her to sell suspected shabu as a source of income.
Also arrested during the operation was her 24-year-old live-in partner, a cellphone technician from Sihayon, Sta. Cruz, Tagoloan. Authorities confiscated around 40 grams of suspected shabu from him, with an estimated street value of Php272,000.
The manicurist admitted that the various drug paraphernalia found inside and around the hut belonged to her customers who frequented the place to use illegal drugs.
According to neighbors, the live-in couple was well-known in the area for selling illegal drugs.
The two suspects are now detained at the Tagoloan Municipal Police Station and are facing charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.