High-value drug suspect arrested in Iloilo City

A 60-year-old high-value individual was arrested after police seized 60 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP 408,000.00 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Rizal, La Paz, Iloilo City, early Wednesday, July 1, 2026.

The operation was carried out around 12:05 a.m. following three weeks of monitoring and surveillance of the suspect’s alleged illegal drug activities in La Paz district and nearby areas.

Police identified the suspect only as alias “Kalag,” a tricycle driver.

Authorities said they recovered six heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and other non-drug evidence.

The operation was conducted by the Iloilo City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit in coordination with the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics Team, and the Iloilo City Police Station 2–Station Drug Enforcement Team.

Police Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of Police Regional Office 6, commended the operating units and said the operation reflected the police force’s continuing campaign against illegal drugs in Western Visayas.

“This successful operation reflects our unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe from the threat of illegal drugs. We commend our operating units for their dedication, professionalism, and teamwork. We also encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue supporting the Philippine National Police by providing timely and reliable information that will help us sustain a safer, drug-free, and more secure Western Visayas,” PBGen Tuaño said.

The suspect is under police custody and will face charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.