Jeepney driver nabbed in PHP 748,000 drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A passenger jeepney driver was arrested following a police anti-illegal drug operation on the afternoon of Oct. 11 in Pavia, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspect as “Tatay Fred,” 60, a resident of Barangay Linuan, Badiangan, Iloilo, who is temporarily staying in Balabag, Pavia.

Members of the Pavia Municipal Police Station, together with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, made the arrest during a roadside buy-bust in Barangay Ungka II, Pavia.

Police operatives collared the suspect after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 7,000.

When frisked, officers recovered seven more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items.

Pavia police chief Capt. Ritz Field Presquito said the seized drugs weighed around 110 grams with a standard drug price of PHP 748,000.

“Tatay Fred” is considered a newly identified high-value drug personality.

He had no previous arrest and was not subjected to Oplan Tokhang.

Presquito said the suspect admitted he was in the drug trade and also used illegal drugs.

A confidential informant tipped off police operatives about his activities.

Presquito said the suspect could be selling drugs to fellow jeepney drivers.

He was arrested after more than three weeks of surveillance.

Police said the suspect allegedly sourced his supply from Iloilo City and distributed it in Pavia.

The suspect is in the custody of the Pavia Municipal Police Station and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.