PHP1.4-M Shabu Seized in Iloilo Drug Busts

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nearly PHP1.4 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in two separate anti-narcotics operations in Iloilo province.

The twin operations resulted in the arrest of two suspects identified as alias Melchor and alias Joseph.

Melchor, 63, a resident of Barangay Bungca, Barotac Nuevo, was arrested around 4:20 p.m. on November 22 in Barangay Tuburan, Pototan.

Operatives from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) Team 2, together with Pototan Municipal Police Station officers, apprehended Melchor after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP7,600 to an undercover operative.

A subsequent frisking revealed four additional sachets of shabu and several non-drug items.

The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 115 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP782,000.

Meanwhile, alias Joseph, a resident of Barangay Libo-o, Dingle, was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 8 p.m. on November 23 in Barangay Dawis, New Lucena.

The operation was conducted by IPPO-PDEU Team 1, the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, and New Lucena Municipal Police Station.

Joseph was caught selling a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP6,000. Authorities also seized a knot-tied plastic pack containing shabu.

The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 89 grams and were valued at PHP605,200.

Both suspects are now in custody and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.