Three arrested in PHP 918,000 Pavia, Iloilo drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three persons were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the evening of March 20 in Pavia, Iloilo.

The operation led to the apprehension of alias Denmark, 36, and alias Justine, 25, both of Barangay Balabag, Pavia, and alias Melvin, 39, of Barangay Bolilao, Dumangas, Iloilo.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office-Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit made the arrest following a buy-bust operation at Balabag village.

Police operatives confiscated approximately 135 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 918,000.

Maj. Dadje Delima, IPPO-PDEU chief, said the main target of the operation was Denmark.

He is classified as a high-value individual, while Justine and Melvin were listed as street-level pushers.

A high-value individual in Philippine anti-drug operations refers to a person identified by law enforcement as a significant target due to the scale of their alleged drug activities, their position in a drug network, or their influence within a community.

The operation stemmed from information provided by concerned citizens about the suspects’ alleged illegal drug activities.

Delima said they conducted three weeks of surveillance operations and eventually confirmed the reports against the suspects.

They allegedly sourced their supply from Iloilo City and distributed it in Pavia town.

The arrested individuals are currently in the custody of the Pavia Municipal Police Station and will face criminal charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Under RA 9165, the sale and possession of dangerous drugs carry penalties ranging from life imprisonment to death, depending on the quantity involved.