ILOILO City — Four individuals, including a minor, were arrested on Monday night, June 1, following a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Balanti-an, Balasan, Iloilo.
Police identified the adult suspects as alias “Dodoy,” 46, and his live-in partner, alias “Juv,” 25, both residents of Estancia, Iloilo; and alias “Berna,” 18, a resident of Dagupan City, Pangasinan. A 14-year-old girl was also apprehended during the sting.
Seized from the suspects were around 493 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P3.4 million, along with a homemade firearm and live ammunition.
The operation was executed at 8:10 p.m. by joint operatives from the Balasan Municipal Police Station, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Carles Special Boat Crew under the Maritime Group’s Special Operations Unit 4.
Intelligence reports revealed that Dodoy is a repeat offender with a previous drug-related conviction in Estancia dating back to March 2015. He was released only last year after serving his sentence.
The three adult suspects are currently detained at the Balasan Municipal Police Station, while the minor has been turned over to the Balasan Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) director, Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño, commended the operating units for the successful haul.
“This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in Western Visayas. The arrest of a high-value individual and the seizure of a substantial volume of illegal drugs prevented these dangerous substances from reaching our communities. We commend the operating units for their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork,” Tuaño said.
The regional director also expressed deep concern over the involvement of minors in the illegal drug trade./PN
