Four arrested in PHP2.4M Iloilo drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Four alleged drug personalities were arrested in an early morning anti-narcotics operation on September 28 in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

The suspects were identified as Dhunhill, 32, of Barangay Oñate de Leon, Mandurriao, Iloilo City; Gerald, 24, of Barangay Baldoza, La Paz district; Jay-R, 32, of Barangay Calajunan, Mandurriao; and Rustom, 29, of Barangay Sapao, Dumangas, Iloilo.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, along with the Iloilo City Police Station 6 and the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), conducted a buy-bust operation against Dhunhill and Gerald at around 5:19 a.m. on Saturday in Barangay Sooc, Arevalo.

The two suspects allegedly conspired to sell two sachets of suspected shabu for PHP 20,000.

Following the transaction, police searched Dhunhill and Gerald, as well as two other individuals who were with them—Jay-R and Rustom.

Dhunhill was found with two sachets and three knot-tied packs of suspected shabu, while Gerald had four sachets in his possession.

Police also recovered two sachets from Jay-R and another two from Rustom.

In total, officers seized approximately 360 grams of suspected shabu, with an estimated street value of PHP 2,448,000.

About 300 grams of the seized drugs were recovered from Dhunhill’s motorcycle.

In addition to the drugs, authorities confiscated three mobile phones, PHP 1,600 in cash, coin purses, two motorcycles, and other non-drug-related items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, stated that Dhunhill and Gerald were working as distributors for a drug personality currently imprisoned at the New Bilibid Prison.

Jay-R and Rustom acted as runners for the two high-value drug suspects.

Of the four arrested, only Dhunhill had a prior drug-related arrest and had been released from incarceration just a few months ago.

The suspects are now in custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.