ILOILO City – Authorities arrested a high-value suspect and confiscated approximately 85 grams of suspected shabu valued at around P578,000 during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Don Esteban, Lapuz district on April 27.
The suspect was identified by the alias “Bongbong,” 37, and a resident of the district.
Police investigation revealed that the suspect’s illegal operation covered the Lapuz and La Paz districts. Notably, he has a pending robbery case and is currently out on bail.
Seized during the operation at 7:35 p.m. were 13 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and non-drug-related items.
The arrest followed three weeks of surveillance by operatives of the Iloilo City Police Office’s (ICPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit. The buy-bust was carried out in coordination with the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, ICPO’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team, and Police Station 8’s Drug Enforcement Team.
Police Brigadier General Josefino D. Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), commended the units for the successful sting and reiterated the regional command’s firm stance against illegal drugs.
“This successful operation underscores our unwavering commitment to rid our communities of illegal drugs,” said Ligan. “We will continue to strengthen our intelligence and enforcement efforts to ensure public safety. We also urge the community to remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities in reporting illegal activities.”
The suspect is now under police custody and faces charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) and Section 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002./PN
