Robbery Suspect Caught in PHP 2M Drug Bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 43-year-old man previously linked to robbery has allegedly shifted to the illegal drug trade.

Andy Mahinay, also known as “Hapon,” was arrested during an anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of December 2 at his home in Barangay Nonoy, City Proper, Iloilo City.

The operation was carried out by the Iloilo City Police Station 1, in coordination with the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, Iloilo City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), ICPO Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).

Authorities arrested Mahinay after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 10,000.

A subsequent search yielded 16 more sachets of suspected shabu and various non-drug items.

Captain Roquero Gimeno III, chief of ICPS 1, stated that the seized drugs weighed approximately 300 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 2,040,000.

Gimeno noted that previous attempts to apprehend Mahinay had failed, as the suspect was known for being elusive and distrustful.

Mahinay is believed to have sourced his drug supply from a contact inside the New Bilibid Prison, similar to other drug suspects.

In 2016, Mahinay was charged with robbery, though he reportedly settled the case.

Four years later, he was accused of robbery with homicide following the killing of a Chinese national. However, the case was dismissed after the complainant failed to appear in court.

Mahinay is now in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.