P1.5 million shabu seized in Estancia bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nine suspected drug personalities were arrested with more than PHP 1,507,832 worth of shabu in a police anti-narcotics operation in Estancia, Iloilo, late evening of Nov. 19.

Police identified the operation’s main target as Nonoy Dulom, 21, of NHA Pabahay, Barangay Tacbuyan, Estancia.

Also arrested were his alleged cohorts identified only as alias Rom, 31, a mechanic; alias JR, 29, of Barangay 3, Victorias City, Negros Occidental; alias Ju, 18, of Barangay Tacbuyan; alias Laban, 24, of Purok Dalino-an, Barangay Pa-on, Estancia; alias Jun, 36, of Barangay Poblacion Zone 1, Estancia; alias Gie, 29, and alias Rod, 31, both of Barangay Calapdan, Estancia; and alias Nat, 24, of Barangay Malayu-an, Ajuy, Iloilo.

Police said another high-value drug personality known as Damug was able to evade arrest.

Members of the Estancia Municipal Police Station allegedly seized 221.74 grams of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion Zone 1 at around 11:20 p.m. Wednesday.

Major Karl Jerome Tingala, Estancia police chief, said the seized drugs were valued at PHP 1,507,832.

Police said the operation was launched following tips from Estancia residents.

Authorities spent five months validating intelligence that confirmed the group’s involvement in illegal drug activities.

Investigators said the suspects sourced their supply from Roxas City and Iloilo City and distributed the drugs within Estancia.

The suspects are detained at the Estancia Police Station lock-up cell and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.