PHP 1.1 million shabu seized in Iloilo stings

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three people were arrested in two separate anti-illegal drug operations in Iloilo province, police said.

Police identified the suspects as alias Aldrin, 50, of Barangay Gines Viejo, Passi City; alias Rey, 19, of Barangay Sablogon, Passi City; and alias Francis, 31, of Barangay 8, Poblacion, Tigbauan.

Operatives from the Passi City Police Station arrested Aldrin, tagged as a high-value individual, and Rey in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Gines Viejo at about 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 11, police said.

Lt. Col. German Magbanua III, Passi City police chief, said officers recovered about 90 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 612,000.

Magbanua said the arrests followed reports from residents about the suspects’ alleged drug activities.

He said police conducted about two months of validation and monitoring before confirming the suspects’ alleged involvement.

Magbanua said the suspects allegedly sourced their supply from Iloilo City and distributed the drugs in nearby barangays in Passi City.

In a separate operation, the Tigbauan Municipal Police Station arrested Francis at his home in Tigbauan at about 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 12, police said.

Capt. Alfred Mansoy, Tigbauan police chief, said officers recovered about 75 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 510,000 from Francis.

Police also recovered a homemade .22-caliber break-type pistol from the suspect, Mansoy said.

Mansoy said police received reports from informants about the suspect’s alleged drug activities and placed him under surveillance for two weeks.

He said Francis allegedly sourced the drugs from Iloilo City and distributed them in Tigbauan.

The suspects are detained and will face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, police said.

Police said Francis will also face a charge for an alleged violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.