![“This [flood control scheme] is a corruption on a scale that we have not seen in the past,” says Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. “The Napoles scandal is like petty change compared to this.”](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Ombudsman_copy_resized-218x150.jpg "FLOOD CONTROL SCANDAL: Ombudsman cases filed vs DPWH staff, contractors")
BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO – Around 530,740 worth of suspected shabu was confiscated from a high-value drug suspect in Barangay Bayuyan, Estancia in this province.
The 38-year-old alias “Nonoy”, a resident of the town’s Barangay Daan Banwa, was caught in a buy-bust operation carried out by the Estancia Municipal Police Station’s (MPS) Station Drug Enforcement Team at around 8:41 p.m. on Saturday, October 12.
Police said a total of 78.05 grams of suspected shabu were recovered.
The arrest followed nearly three months of surveillance after concerned citizens tipped off authorities about the suspect’s involvement in illegal drug activities.
Initial reports showed that the suspect sourced his supply of illegal drugs from Roxas City in Capiz province.
The suspect was taken into custody by the Estancia MPS. He will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).
Colonel Bayani Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, lauded the efforts of both the police and the local community in ensuring the operation’s success.
“I wholeheartedly commend the outstanding performance of our operating team and the unwavering commitment of the Ilonggos to eradicate illicit drugs,” Razalan said. “Together, let us strengthen our collaboration for a safer, drug-free, and more progressive Iloilo.”/PN
