ILOILO – Two individuals were arrested and more than P3.6 million worth of suspected shabu was confiscated during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion Zone 1, Estancia, Iloilo at around 6:25 p.m. on May 25.The arrested suspects were identified as aliases “Jojie,” 43, and “Jess,” 38, married, both residents of the said barangay. Authorities identified a third suspect as alias “Sir,” a resident of Poblacion Zone 2, Estancia, as who evaded arrest and remained at large.
The operation was led by the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 3 as lead unit, with backup from the Estancia Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Operatives seized approximately 540 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P3,672,000, along with buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence.
According to police investigations, Jojie and Sir were the primary targets of the operation following nearly six months of intelligence monitoring and case build-up. The suspects allegedly operated an illegal drug distribution network across the 5th District and parts of the 4th District of Iloilo.
The suspects are currently under police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Brigadier Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño, acting director of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), lauded the operating units for the successful anti-drug operation and reaffirmed PRO-6’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs across the region.
“This accomplishment reflects the value of sustained intelligence monitoring, thorough case build-up, and strong coordination among our operating units,” said Tuaño. “I commend our personnel for their patience, dedication, and commitment, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects and the confiscation of a significant volume of illegal drugs. PRO6 will continue to intensify its anti-illegal drugs campaign and ensure that those engaged in the proliferation of illegal drugs are held accountable under the law.”/PN
