ICPO Seizes PHP157M Worth of ‘Shabu’ Under Legada’s 10-Month Watch

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Around PHP157 million worth of shabu was seized during the 10-month tenure of Col. Kim Legada as director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).

From July 23, 2024 – the day Legada assumed office – until May 23, 2025, a total of 23.089 kilograms of shabu and 123 grams of marijuana were confiscated through 529 anti-narcotics operations.

The seized shabu had a standard drug price of PHP157.007 million, while the marijuana haul was valued at PHP14,836.

Authorities arrested 735 drug personalities, including 189 tagged as high-value individuals (HVIs) and 532 classified as street-level individuals (SLIs).

Seven were arrested by virtue of warrants, five were not listed on police drug watchlists, and two were minors.

The ICPO City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) led the operations with the largest seizure—9.021 kilograms of shabu valued at PHP61.344 million.

Iloilo City Police Station (ICPS) 1 followed with 2.512 kilograms worth PHP17.081 million.

ICPS 10 ranked third with 2.291 kilograms (PHP15.581 million), followed by ICPS 4 with 2.022 kilograms (PHP13.751 million), and the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 5, in coordination with ICPO, with 2 kilograms (PHP13.606 million).

ICPS 9 seized 1.2 kilograms worth PHP8.4 million.

Legada said the significant haul was the result of coordinated and relentless efforts among all ICPO units.

“I hope this sends a message to drug personalities that we won’t allow illegal drugs to proliferate in Iloilo City,” he said.

Legada added that while illegal drugs continue to find their way into the city, police operations and arrests will also continue.

He noted that several suspects were ex-convicts released through plea bargaining agreements but said this trend is not yet alarming.

“We will just continue to pursue them,” he said.

Legada explained that some ex-convicts believe they can benefit from another plea deal, not realizing it is a one-time option.

“If they’re arrested again, they must serve their sentence if found guilty,” he said.

He also urged the public to support the Philippine National Police in its anti-drug campaign.

“Rest assured, under my leadership, we will not relent,” he said.

“As I always say in our fight against illegal drugs – there is no room for complacency. There are no rewinds or retakes when it comes to saving lives.”