PHP435K Worth of Shabu Seized in Twin Iloilo Drug Busts

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two suspected drug peddlers were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations on the evening of April 13 in Iloilo province.

Police identified the suspects as alias Rene, 31, of Sitio Proper 2, Barangay Devera, Sara town, and alias Roderick, 40, of Barangay Talisay, Barotac Nuevo.

Both suspects are classified as street-level pushers.

Rene was arrested in a buy-bust operation at around 7:30 p.m. Sunday at his residence in Barangay Devera.

Members of the Sara Municipal Police Station, along with Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU) Team 3, apprehended the suspect after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP6,800.

Rene, who works as a well digger, was found in possession of six additional sachets of suspected shabu.

The confiscated drugs weighed approximately 35 grams and were valued at PHP238,000.

Meanwhile, members of the Barotac Nuevo Municipal Police Station arrested Roderick at around 8:45 p.m. in Barangay Tabucan, Barotac Nuevo.

His arrest came after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP15,000.

Police later recovered nine more sachets of suspected shabu, a Yamaha Mio motorcycle, and several non-drug items.

The seized drugs weighed about 29 grams and had an estimated value of PHP197,200.

Both suspects are currently detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.