PHP 1.6M shabu seized in Estancia drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than PHP 1.6 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a police anti-narcotics operation shortly before midnight on Sept. 17 in Estancia, Iloilo.

Police operatives arrested alias JM, 28, of NHA Pabahay in Barangay Gogo, Estancia, and alias Wenwen, 36, of Barangay Pa-on, Estancia.

The duo was caught after selling a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 10,100 to a police poseur buyer.

They were also found in possession of five more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items.

Estancia police chief Maj. John Salvador Bello said the seized drugs weighed around 236.22 grams with a standard drug price of PHP 1,606,296.

Authorities confirmed that both suspects are considered high-value individuals.

While it was Wenwen’s first arrest, JM had previous drug-related apprehensions.

Reports said this was his third arrest, and he had been out on bail.

According to the investigation, the suspects sourced their drug supply from Iloilo City and distributed it within the Estancia area.

JM and Wenwen are now in the custody of the Estancia police and will face criminal charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.