KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — What was supposed to be a day of celebration turned into a double arrest after a live-in couple was caught red-handed in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Koronadal City Police in Barangay Morales on Saturday afternoon, December 20, 2025.
Police identified the suspects as alias “Lovely,” 31, a resident of Barangay GPS, and her boyfriend alias “Jonel,” 25, a street-level individual (SLI) from Barangay Zone IV. The operation took place at around 2:41 p.m., coinciding with the birthday of the male suspect.
According to the Koronadal PNP, the couple was apprehended while allegedly selling suspected shabu to a police operative who posed as a buyer. The transaction immediately led to their arrest after authorities confirmed the illegal sale.
Seized from the suspects were several sachets of suspected shabu with a total weight of 10.3 grams, estimated to be worth ₱68,500. This included 0.3 grams recovered during the actual buy-bust transaction and an additional 10 grams found in their possession, along with the marked buy-bust money.
Police said the successful operation was part of intensified anti-illegal drug efforts in the city, targeting not only individual pushers but also drug partnerships operating within communities.
The two suspects are now under the custody of the Koronadal City Police Station and are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Authorities reminded the public that involvement in illegal drugs often drags entire families and relationships into ruin, stressing that no celebration—or relationship—should ever be built around crime.