ILOILO — Police scored a major anti-drug arrest in northern Iloilo.
Operatives seized P578,000 worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value target during a late-night buy-bust operation in Balasan town, reinforcing authorities’ intensified crackdown on local drug networks.
Operatives of the Balasan Municipal Police Station conducted the operation at around 11:20 p.m. on January 20 in Barangay Kinal-kalan, leading to the confiscation of about 85 grams of suspected shabu from a 51-year-old suspect known by the alias “Ren,” a married resident of the town.
Police identified the suspect as a high-value individual believed to be an active player in the local illegal drug trade, making the arrest a significant blow to drug distribution in the area.
Recovered during the operation were six plastic sachets containing the suspected illegal drugs, marked buy-bust money, a green pouch, and additional cash. Authorities said the arrest capped weeks of intelligence-gathering and surveillance carried out by local police.
Western Visayas police director Police Brigadier General Josefin Ligan lauded the arrest, citing the commitment of officers on the ground.
“This accomplishment reflects not only professionalism but the genuine concern of our personnel for the safety and future of our communities,” Ligan asserted. “Every operation like this helps protect our youth, our families, and our neighborhoods from the harm caused by illegal drugs.”
Ligan also underscored the role of public cooperation in sustaining anti-drug efforts, assuring residents of the continued resolve of the Police Regional Office 6.
“To our men and women in uniform, thank you for your dedication and sacrifice. We shall continue to uphold safety and uphold the law with unwavering resolve,” he added.
The suspect remains in police custody and will face charges for violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 — offenses that carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to fines of up to P10 million.
Police urged community members and local leaders to remain vigilant and work closely with authorities as operations against illegal drugs continue across Iloilo province./PN
