P1.2M worth of shabu seized in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than P1.2 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in two separate anti-narcotics operations in Iloilo province.

The twin drug stings led to the arrests of Kent Matta, 26, of Barangay Botongon, Estancia; Jonathan Ilisan, 48, of Barangay Aganan, Pavia; and Gene Stephanie Guillem, 31, of Purok 4, Pavia.

Matta was arrested at 6:40 a.m. on July 3 at Barangay Malico, Batad. Members of the Batad Municipal Police Station, together with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU), apprehended him after selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P500.

Upon frisking him, officers found six more sachets of suspected shabu and other non-drug items. The seized drugs weighed around 100 grams with an estimated value of P680,000.

Meanwhile, Ilisan and Guillem were apprehended in a buy-bust operation around 11:45 p.m. on July 1 at Barangay Anilao, Pavia.

Members of the Pavia Municipal Police Station arrested the duo after selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth P7,000 to a police poseur buyer.

They were also found with 10 more sachets of suspected shabu and some non-drug items. The recovered drugs weighed 85 grams, valued at P578,000.

The three suspects are now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).