ILOILO City — Around P850,000 worth of suspected shabu was confiscated by police following a buy-bust operation in Pavia, Iloilo on Tuesday which also led to the arrest of a man identified as a high-value drug personality.
The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) reported that approximately 125 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride were seized during the operation carried out at about 4:25 p.m. on Feb. 10 in Barangay Ungka 1.
Apprehended was a 37-year-old unemployed man known by the alias “Sent.” He is a resident of Buenavista, Guimaras but was said to be temporarily staying in Santa Barbara, Iloilo at the time of his arrest.
Police recovered six sachets containing suspected shabu along with marked money used in the operation and other personal belongings.
The buy-bust was conducted by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 1, assisted by personnel from the Pavia Municipal Police Station, the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, and the Iloilo Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Police Brig. Gen. Josefino D. Ligan, regional director of PRO-6, said the arrest underscores the continuing efforts of law enforcers to curb the drug trade in Western Visayas.
He noted that operations against illegal drugs aim to protect communities, particularly the youth, and called on residents to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities to authorities.
The suspect is currently detained at the Pavia MPS and will be charged for violations of Republic Act No. 9165, specifically for the sale and possession of illegal drugs. The charges carry penalties that may include life imprisonment and substantial fines under the law./PN
