P442K Worth of Shabu Seized in Iloilo Drug Bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A suspected drug pusher and his buyer were arrested in a police anti-drug operation on the night of May 12 in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Alias Rodel, 39, was arrested in a buy-bust operation at his home in Barangay Sto. Niño Norte, Arevalo.

The Iloilo City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) also arrested Junior, 38, of Barangay San Juan, Molo, after he purchased shabu during the operation.

“He bought shabu at around the same time as our police poseur buyer,” said Capt. Ryan Christ Inot, ICPO-CDEU team leader.

Reports said Rodel sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur buyer for PHP6,000.

When frisked, Rodel yielded nine more sachets, two knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu, and several non-drug items.

Inot said the seized drugs weighed around 65 grams and had a standard value of PHP442,000.

Both suspects had no prior drug-related arrests.

Police began investigating Rodel after he mistakenly offered drugs to a barangay tanod.

He was placed under surveillance for three weeks before the buy-bust was conducted.

Inot said Rodel sourced his supply through a direct contact inside the New Bilibid Prison.

He paid via GCash, and the drugs were delivered by a food delivery rider.

Junior is reportedly the son of a retired police officer, and his sister and brother-in-law are also members of the Philippine National Police.

The two suspects are now in custody and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.