ILOILO — In a significant blow to the local illegal drug trade, the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) arrested a high-value individual (HVI) during a buy-bust operation on Friday afternoon, March 13, in Barangay Buray, Oton town.
The 46-year-old suspect identified by the alias “Scobe,” married, was reportedly employed by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Oton.
PDEU operatives led by Police Major Dadje Delima seized approximately 320 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of P2,176,000.
Authorities alleged that the suspect sourced his drug supply from Metro Manila for distribution across Oton and neighboring municipalities. His arrest followed two weeks of intensive surveillance and verification by the PDEU after receiving tips from concerned citizens regarding the suspect’s illegal activities.
Police Colonel Bayani M. Razalan, IPPO director, commended the unit for their persistence and successful intervention.
“Ginadayaw ko gid ang aton PDEU sa madinalag-on nga operasyon kontra ilegal nga droga kag nagresulta sa pagkadakop sa isa naman ka high-value drug personality sa banwa sang Oton,” said Razalan. “Isa ini ka pamatuod nga ang inyo mga Ilonggo cops ang wala untat sa pag-monitor sa mga indibidwal nga nagaduso sang ilegal nga droga. Ululupod kita sa aton kampanya agud amligan ang aton probinsya batok sa halit sang ilegal nga droga nga makaguba sang puturo sang aton kabataan.”
Razalan added: “Wala tayong pinipili, bisan pa government officials basta involved sila sa drugs, we have to arrest them.”
The suspect was detained at the Oton Municipal Police Station (MPS). He faces charges for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
