ILOILO City — A 52-year-old alleged high-value individual (HVI) was arrested after police seized about 75 grams of suspected shabu worth an estimated P510,000 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Boulevard, Molo, Iloilo City on August 6, 2026.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Gipos,” is married, unemployed, and a resident of Molo, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6).
The operation was conducted at around 8:25 p.m. in Zone 3 by the Iloilo City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the Iloilo Maritime Police Station and the Station Drug Enforcement Team of Iloilo City Police Station 4.
Police recovered nine heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu with a combined weight of approximately 75 grams and an estimated standard drug price of P510,000.
Buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence were also seized during the operation.
The suspect is facing charges for alleged violations of Sections 5 and 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
PRO6 Regional Director Police Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño said the arrest demonstrated the regional police office’s continuing efforts to target individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
“The arrest of a high-value individual is clear proof that those involved in illegal drugs have no place in Western Visayas. We will continue to intensify our intelligence-driven operations to hold violators accountable and keep our communities safe,” Tuaño said.
PRO6 also urged the public to support the campaign against illegal drugs by providing information to the nearest police station. The regional police office assured the public that the identities of informants would be protected./PN
