3 arrested, PHP 496,400 suspected shabu seized in Capiz, Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — Police arrested three suspected drug peddlers in two separate anti-narcotics operations in Capiz and Iloilo provinces Saturday, Aug. 29.

Police identified the suspects only as “John,” 37, a driver, and “Joy,” 33, both residents of Roxas City, Capiz; and “Badjao,” 27, a laborer from Dumangas, Iloilo.

Police classified John and Badjao as high-value drug personalities and Joy as a street-level pusher.

Police reported seizing about 73 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 496,400 from the two operations.

John and Joy were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Punta Tabuc, Roxas City, at about 7:53 p.m.

Members of the Capiz Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit and the Roxas City Police Station conducted the operation.

Police said they seized about 53 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 360,400 from the pair.

In Iloilo, Badjao was arrested in another buy-bust operation in Barangay Bacong, Dumangas.

Personnel from the Dumangas Municipal Police Station, the PNP Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations Unit 6 and the Iloilo Maritime Police Station conducted the operation.

Police alleged that Badjao sold suspected shabu to an undercover officer.

Police said they recovered 13 plastic sachets containing about 20 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 136,000.

All three suspects remain detained and are expected to face complaints under Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Sections 5 and 11 of the law prohibit the unauthorized sale and possession of dangerous drugs, respectively.