ILOILO — The Batad Municipal Police Station (MPS) arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and his alleged accomplice, and seized nearly P8.7 million worth of suspected shabu.
The operation, spearheaded by the Batad MPS’ Station Drug Enforcement Team (SDET) under the leadership of Police Captain John Predic C Padilla, was carried out at around 2 p.m. on January 23 in Barangay Binon-an, Batad town.
Police identified the primary target by the alias “Mico,” a 26-year-old unemployed resident. He was apprehended alongside his wife, alias “Inday,” 27, tagged as street-level individual.
Recovered from the anti-drug operation were approximately 1.3 kilograms of suspected shabu valued ataround P8,717,600, homemade caliber .45 break-type pistol with live ammunition, and various drug paraphernalia.
Authorities believed the couple sourced their illegal drug supply from Metro Manila for local distribution within the municipality.
Padilla added the suspects were under surveillance for three months before the operation.
Police Colonel Bayani M. Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), lauded the Batad MPS for their efforts in executing the operation and thanked the community for their support.
“This demonstrates that when we unite, we can effectively combat the spread of illegal drugs in our province and hold accountable those involved in such illicit activities,” Razalan stated.
Both suspects are currently in police custody. They will be charged for violation of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act)./PN
