PHP1.4M Shabu Seized in Two Iloilo Drug Busts

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police seized PHP1.4 million worth of suspected shabu in separate anti-narcotics operations in Iloilo City and Iloilo province on May 3, resulting in the arrest of four suspects, including a high-value target and an Oplan Tokhang surrenderer.

In Iloilo City, a suspected drug peddler and his cohort were arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala II, City Proper.

The suspects were identified only as alias Benjie, 33, and alias Earl, 38, both residents of the said barangay.

Operatives from Iloilo City Police Station 7 arrested the two after they sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP14,500 to an undercover officer.

Police later recovered 14 more sachets and a knot-tied plastic pack of suspected shabu from the suspects.

Captain Michael Tuburan, the operation’s team leader, said the recovered drugs weighed around 155 grams with an estimated street value of PHP1,054,000.

Benjie, a high-value drug personality, was the target of the operation, which followed a three-week surveillance period.

He had a prior drug-related arrest in 2022, but the case was dismissed.

Residents in the area later reported his renewed involvement in illegal drug activities, prompting further police action.

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

In Cabatuan, Iloilo, a couple was also arrested early morning of May 3 in a separate anti-drug operation.

Alias Jomarie, 50, and his live-in partner, alias Nisa, 43, were caught selling a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP3,100 at their home in Barangay Janipaan Olo.

Members of the Cabatuan Municipal Police Station and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 2 carried out the operation.

Authorities confiscated three more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items during the arrest.

Captain Aileen Lacrite, Cabatuan police chief, said the recovered drugs weighed about 60 grams with an estimated value of PHP408,000.

Lacrite said Jomarie had no prior arrest but had surrendered during the government’s Oplan Tokhang campaign in 2016.

The couple landed on the police watchlist after several arrested drug suspects from Janiuay named Jomarie as their alleged supplier.

Their inclusion on the list was later confirmed by reports from informants.

Police said the couple operated in Janiuay and nearby Mina.

They are now detained and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165.