Tokhang surrenderer arrested in drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A Tokhang surrenderer was arrested in a police anti-narcotics operation on the afternoon of May 28 at City Proper, Iloilo City.

The suspect, 28-year-old Henry Victoria Jr., was arrested at his home in Barangay Riza Pala-Pala 2, City Proper. Members of Iloilo City Police Station 1, along with the Iloilo City Police Office – City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU) and the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, apprehended Victoria after he sold a sachet of suspected shabu for P8,500.

Following his arrest, police seized 14 more sachets of suspected shabu and other non-drug items. Captain Roque Gimeno III, chief of ICPS1, stated that the seized shabu weighed around 64 grams, with a standard drug price of P435,200.

Victoria, a high-value individual (HVI) drug personality, is also listed on the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council’s (BADAC) list of illegal drug personalities.

“He had been repeatedly warned by barangay officials to cease his illegal drug activities,” Gimeno said. The police had also received several reports linking Victoria to drug activities.

Victoria informed police authorities that a relative, currently incarcerated at New Bilibid Prison, facilitated his drug supply. The suspect is now detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).