ILOILO City – Authorities warned the public about a possible new method of illegal drug distribution after a woman found several sachets of suspected shabu inside a red ang pao (Chinese envelope) at Jaro plaza here.
According to Police Major Eduardo Siacon Jr., chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 9, the woman was shocked to discover the illegal substance when she picked up the envelope around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 30.
She immediately reported the find to police officers stationed in the area.
Upon inspection, police confirmed that the ang pao contained five to six plastic sachets of suspected shabu, weighing a total of 20 grams and valued at approximately P136,000.
Siacon explained that drug dealers often use “drop” methods, leaving illicit substances in public places for pickup by their buyers or runners. Transactions are typically coordinated through online messaging apps, with sellers sending photos of the drop location to their contacts.
“This is a common tactic among drug peddlers. They drop the items at a prearranged spot, take a photo, and send it through messenger to inform the buyer where to retrieve it,” Siacon said.
Police believe the confiscated illegal drugs were either meant for distribution or awaiting pickup when they were accidentally discovered.
Authorities are now investigating the incident to identify those behind the operation and prevent similar incidents./PN
