Rental car driver nabbed in PHP 4 million drug sting
By Jennifer P. Rendon
ILOILO CITY — A rental car driver based in Metro Manila was arrested in an anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of Sept. 28 in Balasan, Iloilo.
Alias “Tonton,” 26, a resident of Barangay Zaragosa, Balasan, Iloilo, was arrested in a roadside buy-bust operation in Barangay Quiasan, Balasan.
Members of the Balasan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Iloilo Provincial Police Office-Provincial Intelligence Unit, arrested the suspect after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 9,200 to an undercover police officer.
Police said a large sachet of suspected shabu was also seized from his possession.
Lt. Patrick John Alabado, Balasan police chief, said the seized drugs weighed around 600 grams and had a standard drug price of PHP 4.08 million.
Tonton’s arrest came after a two-month surveillance operation.
Reports said the suspect does not usually stay in Balasan but had been monitored traveling to Iloilo.
He told investigators that he served as a courier for an unnamed drug personality.
Tonton alleged that it was only the third time he had transported illegal drugs.
He allegedly disposed of two kilograms of shabu in Iloilo City a day before his arrest.
Meanwhile, police are checking intelligence reports that the suspect was part of a Manila-to-Iloilo drug supply route.
Police said the Balasan arrest could provide investigators with leads on the source and distribution network behind the seized drugs.
Tonton is detained and will face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
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