Fish vendor nabbed with PHP 884,000 shabu

A 31-year-old fish vendor tagged by police as a high-value individual was arrested in Lemery, Iloilo, after authorities seized about 130 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 884,000.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Pantoy,” was apprehended during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Almeñana, Lemery, at about 6:12 p.m. on March 23, 2026.

Police said 13 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu were confiscated from the suspect.

Authorities also recovered buy-bust money, one black Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle, and other non-drug items.

The operation was carried out by the Lemery Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office Provincial Intelligence Unit, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office Provincial Drug Enforcement Team 3.

Police Regional Office 6 chief Police Brig. Gen. Josefino D. Ligan commended the operating units for the arrest and seizure.

“We commend our personnel for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Let this serve as a strong warning that we will continue to pursue those who threaten the peace and security of our region. The PRO 6 assures the public that we will not stop going after drug personalities until Region 6 is drug-free,” said PBGen Ligan.

The suspect will face charges for alleged violations of Section 5, or illegal sale of dangerous drugs, and Section 11, or illegal possession of dangerous drugs, under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Under the law, the offenses carry penalties of life imprisonment and a fine ranging from PHP 500,000 to PHP 10,000,000.

The arrest forms part of the continuing anti-illegal drug campaign in Western Visayas, where police have sustained buy-bust operations targeting street-level and high-value drug personalities.