‘HVI’ nabbed in Sara drug bust

A high-value individual was arrested after police seized about 65 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 442,000 in a buy-bust operation in Sitio Carmen, Barangay Zerrudo, Sara, Iloilo.

The suspect was identified only as alias Julius, 21, single, and a resident of the barangay.

Operatives of the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Sara Municipal Police Station carried out the operation after receiving a tip from a concerned citizen and conducting a monthlong intelligence monitoring operation.

Police recovered three plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, buy-bust money, and other non-drug evidence.

Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of the Police Regional Office 6, commended the operating personnel for the successful anti-drug operation and reaffirmed PRO-6’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs.

“This accomplishment reflects the sustained commitment of our personnel on the ground to stop the proliferation of illegal drugs in our communities. We will continue to pursue both high-value and street-level drug personalities through intelligence-driven and lawful police operations,” Tuaño said.

Tuaño also urged the public to continue supporting the police by reporting illegal drug activities in their communities.

“Our fight against illegal drugs requires strong cooperation between the police and the community. Every information shared with us can help save families and protect our barangays from the harmful effects of illegal drugs,” he added.

The suspect is in police custody and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Republic Act 9165 penalizes the possession, sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, and transportation of dangerous drugs, including shabu.