P1.7M worth of shabu seized in Iloilo

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police in San Dionisio, Iloilo seized suspected drugs valued at approximately P1.7 million on the afternoon of May 11.

Officers also arrested Bryan Aran, 40, from Barangay Santol, and Johnson Palmero, 34, from Barangay Bundolan, both in San Dionisio.

The arrests followed the alleged sale of a sachet of suspected shabu for P1,000 at Aran’s residence.

The capture culminated nearly two months of surveillance by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU), in collaboration with the San Dionisio Municipal Police Station and the Iloilo Maritime Police Station.

Aran, identified as a high-value target, was the primary focus of this sting operation, while Palmero, a carpenter, acted as Aran’s courier.

During the raid, police also recovered 13 additional sachets of suspected shabu along with other non-drug related items.

Major Ahlie Estember, chief of IPPO-PDEU, reported that the seized drugs weighed about 250 grams with a street value of P1,700,000.

Aran, currently out on bail for prior offenses, had been previously apprehended by members of the Sara Municipal Police Station under charges of violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).

Palmero, who has no prior criminal record, was taken into custody without incident. Aran disclosed to investigators that his supply of drugs was delivered by an unidentified individual and that transactions were conducted via mobile phone.

According to Estember, Aran had previously evaded five arrest attempts by San Dionisio police.

Both suspects are now detained and face charges under RA 9165.