Iloilo drug stings net PHP 1.2M shabu

Police arrested two high-value individuals, including an incumbent barangay kagawad, and seized PHP 1.224 million worth of suspected shabu in separate buy-bust operations in Lambunao and Pototan, Iloilo on June 6, 2026.

Police Regional Office 6 said the operations were part of its intensified campaign against illegal drugs and criminality in Western Visayas.

In Lambunao, an incumbent barangay kagawad identified only as alias “Elvis,” 31, was arrested in Barangay Pajo at about 5:47 p.m.

Police said Elvis, a resident of Lambunao, was tagged as a high-value individual.

The operation was conducted by personnel of the Lambunao Municipal Police Station and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 2.

Authorities seized about 30 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 204,000.

Police also recovered marked buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence.

Investigators said Elvis had been under surveillance for nearly two months due to his alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade in Lambunao and nearby municipalities.

In Pototan, police arrested another high-value individual identified only as alias “Ian,” 28, in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Cato-ogan at about 12:15 p.m.

The operation was conducted by the Pototan Municipal Police Station after months of police monitoring.

Authorities recovered seven heat-sealed plastic sachets containing about 150 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1,020,000.

Police also seized buy-bust money and other non-drug evidence.

Authorities said Ian allegedly sourced illegal drugs from Iloilo City and distributed them in Pototan and nearby municipalities.

Police records showed that Ian had previously been arrested for the same offense in 2018.

He was released in 2021 after availing himself of plea bargaining, police said.

Both suspects are under the custody of their respective municipal police stations for proper disposition.

Police said they will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

RA 9165 penalizes the sale, possession and distribution of illegal drugs, including methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu.

Brig. Gen. Randulf T. Tuaño, acting regional director of PRO6, commended the operating units in both anti-drug operations.

“This operation sends a strong message that no position, influence, or title can shield anyone from accountability. Public officials are expected to become partners in protecting communities against illegal drugs, not contributors to the problem. PRO6 will continue to pursue all individuals involved in the illegal drug trade with fairness and without exception,” PBGen Tuaño said, referring to the Lambunao operation.

Tuaño also urged public officials to remain active partners in sustaining peace, order and public safety in their communities.

“This successful operation sends a strong message that pro6 will continue to pursue individuals engaged in the illegal drug trade. Our campaign against illegal drugs remains aggressive, intelligence-driven, and community-focused to ensure safer communities across Western Visayas,” PBGen Tuaño said of the Pototan operation.

“We encourage the public to continue supporting our operations through timely information sharing and active community cooperation so that, together, we can further weaken the illegal drug network in the region,” he added.

Under Tuaño’s leadership, PRO6 said it continues to intensify its campaign for “RESPONSIVE, TRUSTED, AND TRANSFORMATIVE POLICING” for a safer Western Visayas.

The regional police office said the campaign supports the PNP’s vision of “BAGONG PNP PARA SA BAGONG PILIPINAS: SERBISYONG MABILIS, TAPAT, AT NARARAMDAMAN” under Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP chief.

Sources: Police Regional Office 6 press releases.