Authorities arrested a live-in couple in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Santa Arcadia, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, seizing nearly half a kilo of suspected shabu on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

Cabanatuan City Police Chief LTCOL. Renato Morales said the suspects were arrested in 2020, also for drug related charges, which led officers to intensify their surveillance.

“Previously arrested ‘yung sila sa illegal drugs. I think 2020 may violation na, na the same violation ‘yung illegal drugs kaya medyo talagang ‘yung surveillance natin ay pinaigting natin sa kanila,” Morales said.

Police also confiscated a cellphone, which they believe was used for drug transactions.

The suspects admitted to selling shabu. They reportedly sourced it from Metro Manila before distributing it in Nueva Ecija and provinces nearby.

Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Director, PCOL. Ferdinand Germino, vowed to stop large-scale drug operations in the province.

“The message is clear, hindi natin papayagan ito sa Nueva Ecija na magkaroon ng ganito karaming shabu na maikalat dito kaya ngayon pa lang, nag-uumpisa pa lang sila ay talagang tinarget na natin sila,” he said.

The couple faces charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.