PHP 2.8 million shabu seized in Estancia drug sting

ILOILO CITY — More than PHP 2.8 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in a police anti-narcotics operation late Sept. 21 in Estancia, Iloilo.

Alias “Dave,” 32, was arrested following a buy-bust operation in an alley about 50 meters from his house in Barangay Poblacion Zone 2, Estancia.

Members of the Estancia Municipal Police Station arrested the suspect after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 20,000.

When frisked, the suspect allegedly yielded five more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items.

Police Lt. Adrian Baligod, Estancia police chief, said the seized illegal drugs weighed about 416 grams and had an estimated standard drug price of PHP 2,842,800.

Baligod said the suspect was a newly identified drug personality.

He had been placed under surveillance for more than a month.

Police said the suspect’s name became known to authorities after he allegedly took over the operation of a cohort who was arrested in June 2026.

Baligod said the successful operation resulted from sustained intelligence gathering, target validation, surveillance, and close coordination.

Police believe Dave’s arrest and the confiscation of the suspected shabu disrupted localized illegal drug activities in Estancia.

Dave is detained and will face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.