Estancia drug bust nets PHP975K shabu, 4 suspects nabbed

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Police in Estancia, Iloilo arrested three adults and a minor during a buy-bust operation that yielded PHP975,800 worth of suspected shabu on the evening of July 16, 2025.

The operation, conducted by the Estancia Municipal Police Station (MPS) at around 8:23 p.m. in Bagsakan, Poblacion Zone 1, resulted in the seizure of approximately 143.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, also known as shabu.

Authorities identified the suspects by aliases to protect the investigation.

They include “Nonoy,” a 47-year-old driver considered a high-value individual; “Michelle,” 22, jobless and listed as a street-level target; “Angela,” 32, a jobless resident of Bacolod City; and “Kimkim,” a 14-year-old student from Estancia.

Recovered during the operation were seven heat-sealed sachets of suspected shabu, a black pouch, marked buy-bust money, and other non-drug items.

Police Brigadier Gen. Jose Dino Ligan, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) director, praised the Estancia MPS for their decisive action.

“I commend the personnel of Estancia MPS and all PRO6 units for their hard work to eliminate illegal drugs in the region,” Ligan said in a statement.

“This arrest and seizure of a large amount of drugs shows our strong fight against illegal drugs to keep communities safe,” he added.

Ligan also issued a stern warning to those involved in the narcotics trade, emphasizing the government’s continuing crackdown.

“To those involved in illegal drug trade, consider this a warning—we won’t stop until justice is served. With the support of the government and the community, we remain committed to a safer and drug-free Western Visayas,” he said.

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

RA 9165 outlines the penalties for the illegal possession, sale, and manufacture of dangerous drugs in the Philippines, including life imprisonment for certain quantities of shabu exceeding five grams.

The inclusion of a minor suspect will likely prompt intervention from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which oversees cases involving children in conflict with the law under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.