Four nabbed in PHP 408K shabu bust in Pavia

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Four individuals were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Tigum in Pavia, Iloilo on the evening of Nov. 15 for allegedly conspiring to sell illegal drugs.

Police identified the suspects as alias Adrian, 30; John, 21; Jay, 36; and Kenneth, 21 — all residents of Barangay Tigum.

Adrian, the primary target of the operation, is classified as a high-value individual, while the three others are considered street-level pushers.

The suspects allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 7,000 during the sting.

Further searches yielded nine additional sachets of suspected shabu and various non-drug items.

Captain Ritz Field Presquito, Pavia police chief, said the confiscated drugs weighed approximately 60 grams, with a standard drug price estimated at PHP 408,000.

The operation stemmed from a tip provided by concerned citizens and followed nearly a month of surveillance and validation.

Authorities said the group sourced their supply from Iloilo City and distributed it in the Pavia area.

The suspects are currently detained at the Pavia Municipal Police Station and will be charged with violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.