Iloilo City Cops Recover PHP19-M ‘Shabu’

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police in Iloilo City recovered close to PHP19 million worth of suspected shabu in a series of anti-narcotics operations conducted in November.

Reports from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) revealed the seizure of 2,775.7722 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP18,875,250.

The monthlong operations also led to the arrest of 87 drug personalities, 29 of whom were classified as high-value individuals (HVIs).

Colonel Kim Legada, ICPO chief, said the arrests serve as a stern warning to illegal drug personalities, emphasizing the police’s relentless efforts to make Iloilo City drug-free.

“But as we have often said, this is not the concern of the police alone. That’s why we are rallying our community to join us in this fight,” Legada said.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration with other government agencies to prevent the entry of illegal drugs into the region.

Aside from anti-drug operations, the ICPO reported significant progress in other campaigns.

In its operations against wanted persons, ICPO arrested 47 individuals, nine of whom were classified as Most Wanted Persons.

The campaign against illegal gambling resulted in five operations, leading to the arrest of seven individuals and the confiscation of PHP3,056 in bet money.

To address loose firearms, ICPO conducted 22 operations, resulting in the apprehension of five individuals and the recovery of 23 firearms.

Of the recovered firearms, 11 were deposited, six were surrendered, five were confiscated, and one was abandoned.

ICPO also reported active enforcement of local ordinances, with 1,473 apprehensions citywide, generating PHP1,601,950 in fines and penalties.

“Each month brings new obstacles and challenges, yet we continue to rise above them, surpassing expectations and testing limits,” Legada said.