PHP 1.496M shabu seized, 6 arrested in Oton sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nearly PHP 1.5 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a police anti-illegal drug operation in Oton, Iloilo.

Police arrested a 37-year-old man identified only by the alias Jofrey and his live-in partner, alias Zaza, 45, in a buy-bust operation at their home in Zone 7, Barangay Pulo Maestra Vita, on the afternoon of Feb. 5.

Authorities also arrested the couple’s alleged cohorts: alias Sydney, 37, also of Barangay Pulo Maestra Vita; and alias Mark, 28, alias Shaza, 27, and alias Fortunato, 36, all from Barangay Jibao-an, Pavia.

Operatives of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU-6) arrested the suspects after they allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 14,000.

Police said they seized five sachets and one knot-tied pack of suspected shabu from Jofrey, while one sachet each was recovered from Sydney, Mark, Shaza and Fortunato.

Maj. Marvin Villanueva, RPDEU-6 deputy chief, said the seized drugs weighed about 220 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 1,496,000 based on standard drug pricing.

Villanueva said the couple was the target of the operation.

He said that during the buy-bust, their four alleged runners — Sydney, Mark, Shaza and Fortunato — were at the house to get their supply.

Police said Jofrey had a previous drug-related arrest in 2016 and was released from jail four years later.

Police also said Mark was jailed in connection with a murder case in 2024 and was released in 2025 after the case was settled.

The six suspects are detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.