Iloilo Resident, Companion Nabbed in Antique Drug Sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An Iloilo resident and his companion were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation early Monday, Jan. 29, in Anini-y, Antique.

The suspects were identified as Vincent, 32, of Barangay Botong, Oton, Iloilo, and Noe, 31, of Barangay Butuan, Anini-y.

They were arrested at Noe’s residence.

Operatives from the Antique Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (APPO-PDEU), in coordination with the Anini-y Municipal Police Station, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Antique, and the APPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, conducted the buy-bust operation.

Authorities apprehended the duo after they allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 4,500.

Four more sachets of suspected shabu were seized from their possession.

The recovered drugs weighed around 60 grams and had an estimated standard drug price of PHP 408,000.

Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, commended the operatives for their successful anti-drug efforts.

“May this arrest serve as a stern warning to those still engaging in illegal drug activities. Cease now, or if evidence warrants, you will be the subject of our law enforcement operations,” Wanky said.

The suspects are in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.