Pototan drug bust nets PHP1.5M shabu, firearm seized

Authorities seized PHP1.56 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value drug suspect during a midday buy-bust operation in Pototan, Iloilo on August 7, 2025.

The operation was carried out by the Station Drug Enforcement Team of the Pototan Municipal Police Station at around 12:26 p.m. in Barangay Dapitan.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Joe,” a 37-year-old resident of Pototan who is tagged as a high-value individual (HVI) in regional drug watchlists.

Seized during the operation were 230 grams of suspected methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, along with a break-in type homemade caliber .45 pistol and three rounds of live ammunition.

Authorities also recovered twenty-two sachets of suspected shabu and the marked buy-bust money used in the sting.

Police Brigadier General Jose Dino Ligan, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), praised the success of the operation and the commitment of local police in fighting drug-related crimes.

“We commend the personnel of Pototan MPS for their unwavering dedication in combating the menace of illegal drugs in the region,” said PBGen Ligan.

“Rest assured that PRO6 remains steadfast in its commitment to intensify efforts and pursue all individuals involved in illegal drug activities, in order to make Western Visayas a safer place to live, work, and conduct business,” he added.

The suspect is currently under police custody and is expected to face charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Under Republic Act 9165, possession of more than 50 grams of shabu constitutes a non-bailable offense punishable by life imprisonment and fines ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP10 million.

The illegal possession of a firearm without the proper license or permit is also a separate criminal offense under Republic Act 10591.

Pototan, a first-class municipality in Iloilo, has increasingly become a focal point for drug enforcement operations in recent years as authorities work to disrupt the operations of regional drug networks.

The Pototan bust follows another major drug operation in Sta. Barbara earlier the same day, where three other high-value suspects were arrested and another 230 grams of suspected shabu were confiscated.