Estancia drug bust nets PHP 918K shabu, 5 arrested

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

A police anti-narcotics operation in Estancia, Iloilo on Nov. 6 led to the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of nearly PHP 918,000 worth of suspected shabu.

Arrested in the buy-bust operation at around 1:59 p.m. in Barangay Calapdan, Estancia were: alias Eirol, 33, of Barangay Lumbia, Estancia; alias Jojo, 53, and alias Jonathan, 47, both of Barangay Bolaqueña, Estancia; and alias Steven, 27, and alias Von, 27, both of Barangay Poblacion, Carles.

The main target of the operation, identified only as Toto from Barangay Lumbia, Estancia, managed to evade arrest.

The operation was conducted by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) Team 3, along with the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and the Estancia Municipal Police Station.

Police said the operation was launched after the suspects sold a sachet of suspected shabu.

Toto reportedly fled the scene, leaving behind his five alleged underlings.

Authorities recovered four additional sachets and a knot-tied plastic pack of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items.

Major Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the seized drugs weighed around 135 grams with an estimated street value of PHP 918,000.

Delima added that none of the suspects, including Toto, had prior drug-related arrests.

Initial investigation suggests that Toto took over local drug operations following the arrest of several known dealers in the area.

Police said several previously arrested pushers identified Toto as their source of illegal drugs.

He had reportedly been under surveillance for two weeks before the operation was executed.

Investigators believe the suspects sourced their drug supply from Manila and Roxas City and distributed it in Estancia and neighboring towns in Iloilo’s 5th District.

The five arrested suspects, along with Toto, will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.