Ex-Convict, Woman Nabbed in PHP2.2M Iloilo Drug Sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Another ex-convict was arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation early Thursday morning, April 24, in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Alias Mark, 39, a resident of Barangay Bolaran, Banate, Iloilo, was arrested at his temporary residence on Commission Civil Street, Barangay Luna, Jaro, around 2:25 a.m.

Also arrested was Maricel, 39, of Barangay Malipayon, City Proper, Iloilo City, who was temporarily staying at the same location.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, along with Iloilo City Police Station 6 and the Iloilo City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit, arrested the duo after they allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP14,500.

Recovered from their possession were five more sachets inside three knot-tied plastic bags of suspected shabu, PHP790 in cash, two mobile phones, several drug paraphernalia, and other non-drug items.

The seized drugs weighed around 330 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP2,244,000.

The suspects are now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

It was the first drug operation led by RPDEU-6 in several months.

Reports said team leader Captain Glenn Soliman has returned to the anti-drug unit after completing further schooling.

Earlier this year, Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, confirmed that he directed RPDEU-6 to focus on intelligence gathering and case build-up.

In recent months, RPDEU-6 supported drug operations conducted by city and provincial enforcement units.