Female cop, pal arrested in South Cotabato drug bust

COTABATO CITY — Authorities arrested a female police officer and a male companion during a drug buy-bust operation in Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato, on Tuesday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Harold Cornel, Koronadal City Police Office chief, said the policewoman was on duty when the anti-drug operation was conducted at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Cornel said the policewoman had sought permission from her immediate superior to leave her post, reportedly to purchase medicine.

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During the anti-drug operation later in Barangay San Isidro, a police asset acting as a poseur-buyer purchased P500 worth of shabu from the suspects, he said.

The two were immediately arrested after the transaction was completed.

“Even if she is one of us, she must be arrested and charged. No one is exempt from the law if a violation is committed,” Cornel told reporters.

The identity of the policewoman was withheld pending the filing of formal charges.

The officer, who is detailed at the city police operations division, reportedly had been under surveillance following persistent reports linking her to illegal drug activities.

Both suspects are expected to face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The policewoman is currently detained at the Koronadal City Police Office detention facility while awaiting inquest proceedings.

Authorities did not disclose the quantity of the alleged shabu recovered during the operation./coa