Four Nabbed, PHP2.7M in Drugs Seized in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Four individuals were arrested in a police anti-drug operation on the evening of July 11 in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects only by aliases: Jerry, 44, of Barangay Damo-ong, Janiuay; Noel, 32, of Barangay Janipaan Olo, Cabatuan; and Joyce, 20, of Barangay Cadagmayan Sur, Sta. Barbara.

A minor was also apprehended during the operation, which was conducted at Noel’s residence.

The Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, in coordination with the Cabatuan Municipal Police Station, PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Regional Mobile Force Battalion and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU), carried out the sting.

Authorities said the suspects were arrested after selling a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP13,000.

Recovered from the scene were eight knot-tied plastic packs and 20 sachets of suspected shabu, two improvised tooters, an Android phone, PHP1,000 in cash, several empty sachets, three disposable lighters, a brown sling bag and other non-drug items.

Police also confiscated a .38-caliber revolver with three bullets and a holster from Jerry.

Noel was found in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun with two rounds of ammunition.

At a nearby barn, officers recovered 13 additional sachets of suspected shabu, a mobile phone, an improvised tooter and a modified 12-gauge shotgun with two more rounds.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said the drugs weighed approximately 500 grams with an estimated street value of PHP2.72 million.

Authorities said Jerry and Noel, both classified as high-value individuals, were the primary targets of the operation.

All four suspects are now in police custody.

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

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