Driver arrested in PHP 408,000 drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A family driver was arrested following a police anti-illegal drug operation on the morning of Jan. 15 in Badiangan, Iloilo.

The drug sting led to the arrest of a suspect identified only by the alias Patrick, a resident of Barangay Bitaoyan in the town of Badiangan.

Personnel of the Badiangan Municipal Police Station arrested the suspect during a buy-bust operation conducted at his residence.

Badiangan police chief Capt. Jorge Lenantud said authorities confiscated 60 grams of suspected illegal drugs with a standard drug price of PHP 408,000.

Lenantud said the operation stemmed from reports by concerned residents regarding the suspect’s alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.

Police conducted three months of surveillance before confirming the suspect’s participation in the illegal drug trade.

Investigators alleged the suspect sourced illegal drugs from Iloilo City and distributed them in several villages in Badiangan.

The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.