P625K worth of shabu seized in Balasan drug bust

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By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two individuals were arrested in an anti-illegal drugs operation early on September 10 in Balasan, Iloilo.

Edward Villejo, 36, of Barangay Mamhut Sur, and Gela Babas, 22, of Barangay Balanti-an, were apprehended during a buy-bust operation at 3:15 a.m. in Barangay Camambugan.

Members of the Balasan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU), arrested the suspects after they sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P7,000.

Upon frisking, authorities recovered 18 more sachets of suspected shabu, a sling bag, three disposable lighters, two notebooks and a ballpen, a black pouch, an improvised tooter, a plastic straw, aluminum foil, and a Yamaha motorcycle.

The seized drugs weighed around 92 grams, with a street value of P625,600.

Both suspects are now in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Colonel Bayani Razalan of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office lauded the collaborative efforts of the operatives, stressing the significance of continued operations against illegal drugs in the province.

“This successful operation demonstrates our commitment to eradicating illegal drugs and maintaining peace and order in Iloilo province. We will continue to intensify our anti-drug efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the Ilonggo community,” Razalan said.