Three Nabbed in PHP1.8-M Drug Bust in Oton

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police arrested three suspects in a buy-bust operation in Oton, Iloilo, seizing PHP1.8 million worth of suspected shabu on the evening of Feb. 9.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) identified the suspects as alias Danilo, 50, of Barangay San Antonio, Oton; and Ariel, 56, and Ryan, 37, both residents of Barangay Poblacion South, Oton.

Operatives from the IPPO Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEU) Team 1, along with personnel from the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit and Oton Municipal Police Station, arrested the trio after they allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer for PHP15,000.

Authorities recovered three knot-tied plastic bags and four sachets of suspected shabu, along with various non-drug items.

Major Dadje Delima, chief of IPPO-PDEU, said the confiscated drugs weighed approximately 265 grams, with a standard drug price of PHP1,802,000.

The suspects had been under police surveillance for three months following reports of their involvement in the illegal drug trade.

Danilo was the primary target of the operation.

Investigators said the suspects sourced their supply from a known drug personality in Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Police said the group distributed drugs in Oton and nearby towns.

Danilo had previously escaped arrest during a drug buy-bust operation in Barangay Botong, Oton, a few years ago.

Ariel was arrested in 2016 for a drug-related offense but was released three years later after entering a plea bargaining agreement.

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