ILOILO City – An estimated P2.38 million worth of suspected shabu were confiscated and two high-value targets were collared in a buy-bust operation in Jaro district on Wednesday afternoon, April 2.
Authorities identified the suspects as Hazel Losare, 36, a resident of Barangay Balantang, Jaro, and Jose Ariel Brito, 41, a minibus driver from Anilao, Iloilo. They were caught in a sting operation on 7th Street, Lawaan Village, Barangay Balantang around 5:30 p.m.
Joint elements of the Iloilo City Police Office’s (ICPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit, Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 6 executed the operation, leading to the seizure of four knot-tied plastic bags and 25 heat-sealed plastic sachets of suspected shabu weighing a total of 350 grams, and P5,500 in buy-bust money.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas commended the ICPO for its continued efforts in combating illegal drugs.
“This operation sends a clear message — our city will never again tolerate illegal drug activities,” he said.
The confiscated drugs were turned over to the Regional Forensic Unit 6 for examination, while the suspects were in police custody and will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
