PHP 1.1 million shabu seized in Oton drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than PHP 1.1 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in an anti-illegal drug operation in Oton, Iloilo, on the night of Dec. 10.

Police arrested a 37-year-old man known as alias Noynoy and his 23-year-old neighbor, alias Bantong, during a buy-bust operation at Noynoy’s house in Barangay Poblacion East.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, together with the Regional Intelligence Division 6, Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operations Unit 6, and the Oton Municipal Police Station, arrested the suspects after they allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 12,000.

Authorities said they recovered eight additional sachets and two knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu from Noynoy’s possession, while another sachet was found with Bantong.

Maj. Marvin Villanueva, RPDEU-6 deputy chief, said the confiscated drugs weighed around 175 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 1.19 million.

Villanueva said Noynoy was the primary target of the operation, while Bantong was believed to be acting as his runner.

He said it was through Bantong’s activities that police learned about Noynoy’s alleged drug trade.

Police received a tip from a confidential informant that Bantong was peddling drugs, which later led them to Noynoy as the source.

Both suspects have no prior drug-related arrests or criminal records with the local police.

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