Five arrested in PHP 3.8M drug bust in Estancia, Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Five suspected drug personalities, including a 20-year-old high-value target, were arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion, Zone 1, Estancia, Iloilo at around 1:50 p.m. Tuesday, April 7.

Police identified the main target as alias Kurt, 20, a resident of Barangay Botongon, Estancia.

His four arrested cohorts were alias Jade, 35, and alias Rafael, 42, a seafarer, both residents of Barangay Poblacion, Zone 1, Estancia; alias Lenard, 21, of Barangay Gogo, Estancia; and alias Charlito, 19, of Barangay Tabu-an, Estancia.

Kurt is classified as a high-value drug personality, while the four others are categorized as street-level pushers.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) carried out the operation.

IPPO-PDEU chief Maj. Dadje Delima said operatives confiscated approximately 560 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP 3,807,000 from the suspects.

Delima said the operation stemmed from tips provided by concerned citizens about the suspects’ alleged drug activities.

After a month of validation and monitoring, operatives confirmed the reports. The suspects reportedly sourced their drugs from Metro Manila and distributed them in Estancia and neighboring towns.

The five suspects are in the custody of the Estancia Municipal Police Station and face charges under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.