ILOILO – Anti-drug operatives arrested a high-value individual (HVI) and his live-in partner after seizing approximately 83 grams of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tacbuyan, Estancia town early Tuesday morning, April 7.
The operation was carried at around 1:15 a.m. by the Estancia Municipal Police Station’s (MPS) Station Drug Enforcement Team, led by Officer-in-Charge Police Lieutenant Adrian Y. Baligod. The confiscated drugs have an estimated standard drug price of P564,400.
Police identified the primary target as alias “Ricson,” 32, an unemployed resident of Barangay Botongon classified as an HVI. His live-in partner and alleged accomplice, alias “Mae,” 30, a resident of the same barangay, was classified as a street-level individual (SLI).
Estancia police said the operation was the result of five weeks of surveillance and validation following tips from concerned citizens. The suspects allegedly sourced their supply from Iloilo City for distribution within the municipality of Estancia.
Police Colonel Bayani M. Razalan, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), lauded the Estancia MPS for the successful arrest and emphasized the vital role of community trust.
“Congratulations, Estancia MPS kag ginapasalamatan man naton ang aton mga kasimanwa sa ila hugot nga suporta kag pagsalig sa aton mga Ilonggo cops. Ini nagapakita nga kung kita ang maghugpong, madali naton nga punggan ang paglapta sang ilegal nga droga sa aton probinsya kag pasabton ang mga may kahilabtanan sa sining ilegal nga hilikuton,” Razalan said.
The suspects are currently in police custody and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)./PN
