Drug Suspect Arrested in P408K Iloilo Bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A suspected drug peddler was arrested again in a police anti-narcotics operation at noon on Feb. 10 in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The suspect, identified only as Lorence, 41, was apprehended during a buy-bust operation at his residence in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Station 10 arrested him after he allegedly sold PHP 15,000 worth of suspected shabu to an undercover officer.

Authorities also recovered seven more sachets of suspected shabu along with several non-drug items.

Captain Val Cambel, chief of ICPS 10, said the seized drugs weighed approximately 60 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 408,000.

Records show the suspect had a previous drug-related arrest.

He is also listed under the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) as a drug personality.

Before his arrest, Lorence was placed under three weeks of surveillance.

Police said he allegedly sourced his drug supply from another peddler in Molo district.

Most of his clients were construction workers employed at a nearby development center in Mandurriao.

The suspect is now detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).