Three HVIs nabbed in Iloilo City anti-drug ops

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Authorities arrested three “high-value individuals” (HVIs) and seized a combined PHP1.97 million worth of suspected shabu in two separate buy-bust operations conducted in Iloilo City on July 18 and 19.

In the first operation, a 27-year-old male suspect identified as alias “Ernesto,” a resident of Barangay Rizal Estanzuela, was apprehended at around 6:35 p.m. on July 18 in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala Zone 1.

Operatives from the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU 6), with support from ICPS 7, the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group Special Operations Unit 6 (PDEG SOU6), led the operation.

Authorities confiscated 225 grams of suspected shabu from Ernesto, with a Standard Drug Price of PHP1,530,000.

Seized from his possession were 10 plastic sachets and four plastic bags containing the illegal substance, as well as marked buy-bust money and other non-drug items.

His alleged cohort, alias “Janet,” approximately 30 years old and also from Barangay Rizal Estanzuela, remains at large as follow-up operations continue.

The suspect is now in police custody and will be charged for violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Just hours later, another buy-bust operation at around 12:05 a.m. on July 19 in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala II led to the arrest of two re-arrested HVIs, both aged 29 and identified as aliases “John” and “Sky.”

The operation, conducted by the Iloilo City Police Station 7 (ICPS7), resulted in the seizure of approximately 65 grams of suspected shabu valued at PHP442,000.

Twelve heat-sealed plastic sachets, marked money, and drug-related paraphernalia were recovered from the suspects.

Both John and Sky are now detained at ICPS7 and face charges under RA 9165.

Police described the back-to-back anti-drug operations as a “significant blow” to local illegal drug networks operating in the City Proper.

“These arrests reaffirm our commitment to dismantling drug groups and protecting communities from the harm caused by illegal drugs,” said a police official involved in the operation.

Authorities urged the public to remain vigilant and report drug-related activities through community hotlines or local barangay offices.

RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, imposes life imprisonment and fines ranging from PHP500,000 to PHP10 million for those convicted of trafficking or possession of large quantities of dangerous drugs.