Three nabbed in PHP 1 million drug sting in Janiuay

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three suspected drug personalities were arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the morning of Sept. 11 in Janiuay, Iloilo.

Authorities identified the suspects only by their aliases: Elpidio, 45, of Barangay Pangilihan, Janiuay; Jonathan, 53, of Barangay Gines, Janiuay; and Analiza, 32, of Barangay Badlan, Calinog.

The operation was carried out by Team 2 of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (IPPO-PDEU), in coordination with Team 1, the Janiuay Municipal Police Station, and the 603rd Mobile Force Company.

The suspects were caught in a buy-bust operation around 10:05 a.m. in Barangay Gines after selling a sachet of suspected shabu to undercover agents.

Police also recovered six additional sachets of suspected shabu and various non-drug items from the suspects.

Major Dadje Delima, chief of the IPPO-PDEU, said the confiscated drugs weighed approximately 150 grams, with an estimated street value of PHP 1,020,000.

According to reports, all three suspects are newly identified drug personalities in the region.

Elpidio, tagged as a high-value individual, was the primary target of the operation, while Jonathan and Analiza were allegedly acting as his accomplices.

The suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.