PHP 1.43 million ‘shabu’  seized in Iloilo City bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An alleged illegal drug pusher and his three cohorts were arrested in a police anti-drug operation on the evening of Oct. 4 in Jaro, Iloilo City.

Alias Jomar, 42, of Barangay Acuit, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, was arrested along with alias Ange, 27, a construction worker; alias Brie, 37; and alias Mel, 28, a welder, all residents of Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit, together with the ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics team, the Regional Intelligence Unit, and Iloilo City Police Station 3, carried out the arrest.

Police seized 18 sachets and three knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu, two rolled strips and an aluminum strip of foil with suspected shabu residue, and several non-drug items.

Capt. Roque Gimeno, ICPO–CDEU chief, said the seized drugs weighed about 210 grams with a standard drug price of PHP 1,428,000.

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

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Josefina Ligan, Western Visayas police chief, cited the operating teams for their relentless effort and teamwork in the fight against illegal drugs.

“This successful operation once again demonstrates our firm commitment to keeping Western Visayas free from the menace of illegal drugs. We commend our operating units for their dedication and professionalism, and we call on the public to remain vigilant and cooperative as we continue to pursue a drug-free community,” Ligan said.