Man arrested with PHP 482K shabu in Iloilo bust

Police arrested a 40-year-old man and seized an estimated PHP 482,000 (USD 8,518.40) worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Devera, Sara, Iloilo, on Dec. 22, 2025.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Michael,” is married and tagged as a high-value individual in the region’s illegal drug trade. He is a resident of Sara, Iloilo.

Authorities said the sting operation took place around 7:25 p.m. and resulted in the recovery of eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing suspected shabu, along with buy-bust money and other non-drug items.

The operation was jointly carried out by the Sara Municipal Police Station, Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit–IPPO Team 3, Provincial Intelligence Unit–IPPO, the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Region 6.

Police Brig. Gen. Josefineo D. Ligan, regional director of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), lauded the coordinated law enforcement effort that led to the arrest.

“I commend all the units involved in this successful operation. This only shows that when everyone works together with a common goal, everything falls into place. This accomplishment is a clear manifestation of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to service,” Ligan said.

“To the public, we assure you that we will continue to do our best to make Western Visayas safer and drug-free, especially as the holiday season approaches,” he added.

“Michael” is currently under police custody and is facing charges for violating Sections 5 and 11 of Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The offenses carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death, and fines from PHP 500,000 (USD 8,837.44) to PHP 10 million (USD 176,748.88).