Ex-Prisoner, Guard Nabbed in P7.48M Drug Sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A former drug convict and a security guard were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation as part of the Iloilo City Police Office’s (ICPO) intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

Alias Arian, 48, of Zone 2, Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, and security guard Jom, 32, of Barangay Dacuton, Dumarao, Capiz, were apprehended on the afternoon of March 4 in Zone 1, Barangay Calumpang, Molo district.

The operation was carried out by members of the ICPO City Drug Enforcement Unit, in coordination with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, Regional Intelligence Unit 6, and the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

The suspects were arrested after selling a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 14,000.

During a subsequent frisk, police operatives confiscated four knot-tied plastic packs and 38 sachets of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items.

Reports revealed that the seized drugs weighed approximately 1.1 kilograms, with a standard drug price of PHP 7,480,000.

Alias Arian was previously arrested in 2016 during the height of the government’s anti-drug campaign.

He was convicted by the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed the case against him, leading to his release on Feb. 28, 2024.

Arian is now back in police custody, along with Jom, and both suspects will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.