ILOILO – A high-value drug suspect was arrested by policemen in Barangay Ipil, Balasan town.
Shabu worth P544,000 was also seized.
The suspect, identified with the alias “John” from Barangay Poblacion Norte, Balasan, was arrested at 12:50 a.m. yesterday.
Personnel from the Police Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and the Balasan Police Station conducted a buy-bust operation with the help of an asset to apprehend the suspect, who handed over P500 worth of shabu.
During the frisking, the suspect was found in possession of 20 more large sachets weighing 80 grams of shabu.
According to Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), the suspect had operations in several towns in northern Iloilo, especially Balasan and Estancia.
“Based on our investigation, the suspect received the items through a local port, especially in Estancia, and then immediately delivered them to their buyers. Their supplier is based in Manila,” said Araño.
This was the largest seizure so far this year.
“Expect more significant drug operations to be conducted if they do not cease,” Araño added.
Police Captain Alexander Lauron, police chief of Balasan, said they had been chasing the suspect for a long time, but he had been too elusive.
“That’s why we sought help from the provincial police ; we were short-staffed. It was timely that he had just received his stock,” Lauron told Panay News.
The suspect was detained at the Balasan Police Station.
Charges for violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act would be filed against him./PN
