BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) apprehended a high-value drug suspect and five accomplices, confiscating approximately 195 grams of suspected shabu valued at P1.3 million.
The operation, carried out at around 5:30 p.m. on September 17 in Barangay North Baluarte, Molo district, targeted a novel illegal drug distribution scheme known as “suyop now, pay later”.
This scheme, which had been active for the past five months according to Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot, chief of the City Drug Enforcement Unit, allowed construction workers to purchase drugs on credit and make payments on payday.
Greg Sucgang, 28, a foreman and suspected ringleader of the operation, was apprehended at his house in Barangay Rizal Pala-pala, City Proper.
The other arrested individuals, all suspected street-level pushers from various locations including Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Quezon Province, and Santa Barbara, Iloilo, were identified by their aliases: “Jan-Jan” (36), “Toto” (32), “Syongo” (35), “Jerry” (44), and “Andres” (34).
Police Colonel Kim Legada, ICPO director, lauded his men for the successful operation.
“I salute your diligence and perseverance for the good of the community. Let us continue to strengthen our fight against illegal drugs. We will not stop or lower our guard as long as there is still one person selling or using these illegal substances,” said Legada.
The suspects are now detained at the Iloilo City Police Station 4, facing charges under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Republic Act 9165)./PN
