ILOILO City — Two high-value individuals were arrested and approximately 60 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P408,000, were seized during a late-night buy-bust operation in Barangay Mansaya, Lapuz district.
The operation, which took place around 11:45 p.m., on May 4, was the result of a three-week surveillance period targeting a drug network operating across Iloilo City and province, and Guimaras.
Police identified the arrested as alias “Natoy,” 40, a construction worker originally from Iloilo City but currently residing in Buenavista, Guimaras, and alias “Palin,” 42, a beautician and resident of Buenavista town. Records show that Natoy was previously arrested for drug offenses in 2017 and released in 2024 through a plea-bargaining agreement.
The operation was conducted by the Iloilo City Police Office’s (ICPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics Team, and Iloilo City Police Station 8 – Station Drug Enforcement Team.
Recovered from the suspects were six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets of suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and non-drug-related items.
The suspects are currently in police custody and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)./PN
