Ex-convict, alleged runner nabbed in PHP 4.8 million drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — A man described by police as a convicted drug offender and his alleged runner were arrested in a buy-bust operation early Monday, Aug. 31, in La Paz district.

Police identified the principal suspect only as “Jerome,” 38, a resident of Barangay Buntatala in Jaro district.

Jerome was arrested at a house he rented in Barangay San Isidro, La Paz.

Police also arrested “Gary,” 38, of Barangay Buntatala, whom investigators described as Jerome’s alleged drug runner.

Members of Iloilo City Police Station 2 carried out the operation around 1:32 a.m.

Police Maj. Sonny Boy Garnace, the station chief, said Jerome allegedly sold a plastic sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 16,000 to an undercover officer.

Police said a search of the suspects yielded nine more sachets of suspected shabu.

Garnace said the seized substance weighed about 710 grams and had a standard drug price of PHP 4,828,000.

Police began monitoring Jerome several months ago after receiving tips from informants.

Garnace said officers took time to arrest the suspect because he frequently moved from one boarding house to another.

Police alleged that Jerome distributed drugs in Iloilo City and the towns of Pavia, Barotac Nuevo and Dumangas in Iloilo province.

Police said Jerome had been arrested in another drug case in 2022 and was released from jail three years later.

Both suspects remained in police custody pending complaints for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The law penalizes the unauthorized sale and possession of dangerous drugs.