PHP 1.5 million shabu seized in Anilao bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three people were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation late in the afternoon of July 4 in Anilao, Iloilo.

Alias Nonoy, 41, was arrested at his house in Barangay Mostro, Anilao.

Also arrested were alias Ray, 33, and alias Justin, 23, both residents of Barangay Mostro.

Police said Nonoy, the target of the operation, is classified as a high-value drug personality.

The two other suspects were alleged runners of Nonoy and were classified as street-level pushers.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit seized about 230 grams of suspected shabu from the suspects.

Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the seized shabu was valued at PHP 1,564,000.

Delima said the suspects had no previous drug-related arrests.

However, Nonoy had a criminal record for robbery in 2016, but the case against him was dismissed.

Delima said Nonoy had been monitored for alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade for several years.

Police had made several attempts to arrest him, but he had managed to evade authorities, Delima said.

Delima said Nonoy’s house location made it difficult for police to corner him.

Nonoy also allegedly avoided meeting clients personally and instead dropped off the illegal drugs.

Police said the suspects sourced their supply from Metro Manila.

The three suspects are now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.