PHP 3 million shabu seized in Oton drug busts

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nearly PHP 3 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in separate anti-drug operations in Oton, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects only by their aliases—Dagul, 36, of Barangay Alegre, Oton, and Anthony, 39, of Zone 1, Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala, City Proper, Iloilo City.

Dagul was arrested late on Sept. 14 in Barangay Alegre by operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, the Oton Municipal Police Station, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit, the PNP Drug Enforcement Unit–SOU 6, and the Regional Intelligence Division 6.

He allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 14,000.

Police said he was also found with nine more sachets, two knot-tied plastic bags, and several non-drug items.

The seized drugs weighed about 380 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 2,584,000.

Several hours later, Oton police arrested Anthony in Barangay Trapiche, Oton.

Oton police chief Lt. Col. Ahlie Estember said around 60 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP 408,000 were seized from Anthony.

Estember said the second operation was launched after Dagul’s arrest.

“It’s like they belong to the same group or circle,” Estember said.

Police said Anthony typically sourced his supply from Dagul.

He had previously been arrested for a drug-related offense in Aklan province.

He was released from detention through a plea bargaining agreement.

Both suspects are in custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.