ILOILO — Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) dealt a major blow to the local illegal drug trade after arresting two regional priority high-value individuals (HVIs) and seizing approximately 655 grams of suspected shabu valued at around P4,454,000 in a late-night operation on Tuesday, July 7 in Leon town.
The suspects were identified as aliases “Eric,” 47, and “Let2x,” 49, a native of Barangay Tanza Esperanza, Iloilo City. Both were apprehended at around 11:13 p.m. during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Talacuan, Leon, where they currently reside.
According to police reports, the operation capped a month-long sustained surveillance and intelligence-monitoring against the suspects, who were allegedly supplying illegal drugs to Iloilo City and its neighboring municipalities.
The duo allegedly conspired to sell a heat-sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer in exchange for P15,000 in buy-bust money.
Following the transaction, responding operatives recovered the buy-bust item, 16 additional knot-tied transparent plastic bags containing suspected shabu, and the marked money. The inventory of the seized items was conducted onsite in the presence of a barangay kagawad and a media representative.
The operation was executed by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, with support from the Regional Intelligence Division 6, Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 6, and the Leon Municipal Police Station.
“This is the PRO-6 way — intelligence first, coordination always, and results that speak for themselves,” said PRO-6 acting director Briagdier General Randulf Tuaño. “Our personnel acted on sustained intelligence, worked together with precision, and delivered a significant blow against the illegal drug trade.”
He added: “The arrest of these regional priority target HVIs means fewer illegal drugs reaching our communities and fewer lives placed at risk.”
The suspects, who were read their constitutional rights in their local dialect, are currently in police custody. They will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
