ILOILO City — Authorities apprehended a family driver in Badiangan, Iloilo, after seizing an estimated P408,000 worth of suspected shabu during an anti-illegal drug operation on January 15.
The operation, conducted by the Badiangan Municipal Police Station’s Station Drug Enforcement Team in coordination with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Team 2, took place at around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Bitaoyan. The authorities recovered approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu from the suspect.
The arrested individual, identified only as alias “Patrick,” 37, a family driver and live-in partner, is a newly identified high-value individual (HVI) from Lemery, Iloilo, now residing in Badiangan.
Recovered items included six heat-sealed sachets of the white crystalline substance, buy-bust money, and other non-drug items.
Western Visayas Police Chief, Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, praised the units involved in the successful operation.
“I commend our operating units for the successful seizure of a large quantity of illegal drugs and the arrest of the suspect. This accomplishment reflects the strong commitment of PRO6 to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and to protect our communities from their harmful effects. We assure the public that we will continue to pursue intelligence-driven and lawful operations to hold all offenders accountable and keep our communities safe,” PBGEN Ligan said.
Alias “Patrick” is currently under police custody and will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Conviction carries penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death, and fines from P500,000 to P10,000,000./PN
