Four arrested in twin Iloilo City drug busts

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Four individuals were arrested in two separate anti-drug operations in Iloilo City.

The suspects were identified as Brian Godfred Matorre, 40, of Barangay Baldoza, La Paz, Iloilo City; Ronald Sotero, 37, of Barangay Rizal St., Lapuz; Elenito Jover, 40, of Zone 2, Barangay Baldoza, La Paz; and Elenito’s nephew, Carl Jover, 22, also of Zone 2, Barangay Baldoza.

Matorre and Sotero, both street-level pushers, were arrested at 6:50 p.m. on August 29 at Valeria St., Barangay Kauswagan, City Proper.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), together with Iloilo City Police Station 1, apprehended the duo after they sold a sachet of suspected shabu for ₱15,000.

Police recovered 11 more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items from the suspects.

Lieutenant Colonel Rene Obregon, ICPO-CDEU chief, reported that the seized drugs weighed approximately 45 grams, with a standard drug price of ₱306,000.

Meanwhile, the Jovers were arrested at their residence in Barangay Baldoza at 11:30 a.m. on August 30.

Members of Iloilo City Police Station 2 apprehended the suspects after they sold a sachet of suspected shabu for ₱6,000.

Police also recovered three additional sachets of suspected shabu.

The seized drugs from the Jovers weighed around 16 grams and were valued at approximately ₱108,800.

The four suspects are currently detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.