Seven Nabbed, PHP952K Shabu Seized in Iloilo Drug Stings

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Nearly PHP1 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in three police anti-drug operations in Iloilo City.

The stings led to the arrest of seven suspects: Ricardo, 59; his wife Myrna, 56; and their son Remyr, 33 — all residents of Barangay Caingin, La Paz, Iloilo City.

Also arrested were alias Michael, 38, of Barangay Maria Clara, City Proper; Ralph, 31, of Barangay Dungon C, Mandurriao; Vincent, 29, of Barangay San Lorenzo, Lapuz; and alias Wences, 54, of Barangay Tanza Esperanza, City Proper.

Ricardo, Myrna, Remyr, Michael, and Ralph were apprehended in a buy-bust operation at Barangay Caingin around 11:55 p.m. on April 11.

Ricardo, a construction worker, was the primary target of the operation.

Police from the Iloilo City Police Station 2 seized 20 grams of suspected shabu from the group, valued at PHP136,000.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), along with Iloilo City Police Station 8, arrested Vincent at 12:05 a.m. on April 12 in Barangay Loboc, Lapuz.

Authorities confiscated 60 grams of suspected shabu from him, with an estimated value of PHP408,000.

Later that day, at 2:45 p.m., personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 10 arrested Wences during another buy-bust operation at Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao.

Wences also yielded 60 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP408,000.

All suspects are now detained and face charges for violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.