Couple Nabbed in PHP1-M Iloilo City Drug Bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A couple was arrested in an anti-narcotics operation early on March 10 in Molo, Iloilo City.

The suspects, identified as alias “Dexter,” 43, of Barangay Pala-Pala II, City Proper, Iloilo City, and his 27-year-old live-in partner from Zone 5, Barangay Calumpang, Molo, were apprehended at their rented house in Zone 1, Barangay Compania, Molo.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Station 4 (ICPS4), the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, and the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team arrested the duo after they allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP12,000.

During a subsequent search, authorities recovered 30 more sachets and three knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items.

Lieutenant Lloyd Pagulayan, ICPS4 deputy chief, said the seized drugs weighed around 150 grams with an estimated standard drug price of PHP1.02 million.

Police tagged Dexter as a re-arrested high-value individual in the illegal drug trade.

Investigators revealed that RPDEU-6 had initially targeted the couple, who previously resided in City Proper before relocating to Compania village.

Shortly after they moved, police began receiving multiple complaints about their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

The suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, reaffirmed their intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

“Last week, millions worth of illegal drugs were also seized in ICPO operations, allowing us to save more innocent lives that could have fallen victim to the evils of illegal drugs,” Legada said.

However, he acknowledged that more work needs to be done to combat the illegal drug trade.