ILOILO — Two individuals were arrested in a major anti-drug operation in Oton, Iloilo late evening of December 10, resulting in the seizure of approximately 175 grams of suspected shabu.
The suspects were identified as alias “Noynoy/Jay,” 38 , a barber considered a high-value target in the local illegal drug network, and alias “Bantong/Mark,” 23, single and unemployed, tagged as a street-level individual. Both are residents of Oton.
The buy-bust operation was carried out at around 10:55 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion East by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, with support from various law enforcement agencies.
Recovered from the suspects were 10 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and two knot-tied plastic bags containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu; proceeds of the buy-bust operation, one blue box labeled “Kemei”; one android cellular phone; and other non-drug-related items.
Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director, praised the operatives for their swift and coordinated efforts, stressing that the impact of the operation goes beyond confiscating illegal drugs.
The suspects were detained as authorities prepared to file charges.
Alias “Noynoy/Jay” will be charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11 of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) while alias “Bantong/Mark” will face charges under Section 11 of the same law.
These violations carry heavy penalties, including long-term imprisonment and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.
PRO-6 said this successful operation underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Western Visayas to curb illegal drug distribution and protect communities from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking./PN
