ILOILO — A six-month intelligence buildup by police operatives culminated in the takedown of a key drug distribution link in northern Iloilo, with authorities seizing nearly P1.5 million worth of suspected shabu and arresting a high-value individual (HVI) in a late-night buy-bust operation in Lemery.
Operatives of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) arrested alias “Bobot,” 46, during the operation around 11:30 p.m. on March 15 in Barangay San Jose, Lemery town, confiscating about 220 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of P1,496,000.
Police said the suspect, a corn agent and resident of Barangay Poblacion, Lemery, had been under surveillance for months following multiple community tip-offs linking him to illegal drug activities.
Investigators revealed that the suspect sourced illegal drugs from Metro Manila and distributed them across Lemery and nearby towns, fueling the spread of narcotics in the area.
The operation, led by Police Major Dadje Delima, forms part of intensified efforts by the IPPO to dismantle drug networks by targeting high-value personalities involved in trafficking.
Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police director, lauded the operating team for the successful operation.
“Congratulations to our PDEU for the successful operation against illegal drugs that has resulted in the arrest of another high-value drug personality. Let us continue to work together to combat the spread of illicit drugs in our communities,” Razalan said.
The suspect is now detained at the Lemery Municipal Police Station and faces charges for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police reiterated that the success of the operation underscores the critical role of community cooperation, urging the public to report suspicious activities as authorities sustain their crackdown on illegal drugs across Iloilo Province./PN