Five nabbed in PHP 2-M drug bust in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Five individuals were arrested in a PHP 2 million anti-illegal drug operation on the evening of October 17 in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.

Alias Lino, 48, of Barangay Libo-o, Passi City, and alias Jonel, 47, of Barangay Agutayan, Santa Barbara, were arrested during a buy-bust operation conducted at Jonel’s residence.

Also apprehended were their alleged distributors — alias Tisoy, 45, and his nephew alias Kulot, 21, both from Barangay Aganan, Pavia, and Tisoy’s girlfriend alias Maymay, 38, of Barangay Cagamutan Norte, Leganes.

The three are believed to be street-level pushers sourcing their supply from Lino and Jonel.

The operation was conducted by Team 1 of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU), with assistance from IPPO-PDEU Team 2, the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Santa Barbara Municipal Police Station, and the 1st Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company.

The suspects were arrested after selling a sachet of suspected shabu to an undercover operative.

Police recovered three knot-tied sachets and 13 additional sachets of suspected shabu, along with various non-drug items.

Lino was also found in possession of a homemade .22-caliber revolver loaded with seven live rounds.

Major Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the confiscated drugs weighed about 300 grams and have an estimated value of PHP 2,040,000.

Delima said four of the suspects had no prior drug-related arrests, except for Lino, who was previously detained following a 2015 drug case.

According to reports, Lino would visit Jonel’s house once new supplies arrived and then coordinate with their downline sellers to distribute the drugs.

All five suspects are now detained at the Iloilo City Police Station 7 lockup facility.

They will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Lino will also be charged under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.