ILOILO — Police seized more than P2.78 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value individual (HVI) during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cabugao Sur, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo on January 14.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) identified the suspect only by the alias “Tol,” a 42-year-old, unemployed male and a native of Barangay Tagbak, Jaro district, Iloilo City. He was arrested at around 2:40 p.m. after operatives caught him in the act during the operation.
Police confiscated about 410 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P2,788,000, along with 11 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and six knot-tied plastic bags containing the illegal substance.
Authorities also recovered buy-bust money, suspected proceeds from drug sales, and drug paraphernalia used in the preparation and distribution of illegal drugs.
The operation was carried out by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU 6) with support from the Regional Intelligence Division 6 (RID 6), the
Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 6 (PDEG SOU 6), and personnel of the Sta. Barbara Municipal Police Station.
PRO-6 regional director Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan said the arrest underscores the police’s sustained drive against illegal drugs in Western Visayas.
“This successful operation delivers a strong message that PRO6 remains relentless in dismantling illegal drug networks in Western Visayas. The apprehension of a high-value individual and the seizure of such a substantial volume of illegal substances reaffirm our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our communities and curtailing the access to dangerous drugs,” Ligan said.
The suspect is now detained and will face charges for violation of Section 5 (Illegal Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Section 11 (Illegal Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and Section 12 (Possession of Equipment, Instrument, Apparatus, and Other Paraphernalia for Dangerous Drugs) under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
If convicted, he could be sentenced to life imprisonment and fined P500,000 to P10 million, police said.
PRO6 reiterated its commitment to intensifying anti-drug operations and called on the public to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities.
“Together, we can create a safer, drug-free Western Visayas,” Ligan said./PN
