Estancia drug sting nets five, shabu worth PHP 3 million

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

A suspected drug peddler and four cohorts — including his live-in partner and minor son — were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of April 22 in Estancia, Iloilo.

Alias Nemesio, 38, was arrested in a buy-bust operation at his house in Purok Proper-B, Barangay Lumbia, Estancia.

Also apprehended were his live-in partner, alias Christy, 22, a resident of Iloilo City; his son Kevin, 15; alias Leo, 28, of Purok 4, Barangay Bulaqueña, Estancia; and a certain Aira, 17.

Members of the Estancia Municipal Police Station seized 447 grams of suspected illegal drugs from the suspects.

Lt. Adrian Baligod, Estancia police chief, said the confiscated illegal drugs had an estimated standard drug price of PHP 3,039,600.

Nemesio was tagged as a high-value target, while the four other suspects were identified as street-level pushers.

Baligod said Nemesio used Leo as his runner.

The two minors were also allegedly directly involved in the illegal drug operation.

Kevin and Aira were tasked with delivering shabu and collecting proceeds from the trade.

It was learned that Nemesio had previously been arrested for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, and Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The illegal drugs case was dismissed, while he managed to post bail in the firearms case.

In 2024, he was also the subject of a police anti-illegal drugs operation, but he evaded arrest.

Baligod said a warrant of arrest was later issued against him.

Police said it took six months of surveillance before the suspects were arrested.

The three adult suspects were detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165.

The two minors were turned over to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office for proper disposition of their case.