Trio falls in P1.5-M drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A police anti-narcotics operation in Barangay Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City has led to the arrest of three individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.

The operation, which took place on the evening of June 1, 2024, was conducted in response to numerous complaints from local residents.

The suspects, identified as John Levi Pancrudo, 32, a resident of Zone 7, New Site, Bito-on; and Cyrilo Sandig, 29, and Ian Lozano, 31, both of Barangay Rizal Ibarra, City Proper district, were apprehended by members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 (RPDEU-6) in coordination with personnel from Iloilo City Police Station 3 and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 6.

The three were caught selling a sachet of suspected shabu for P14,500.

Authorities recovered 19 more sachets, two plastic packs of suspected shabu, cash amounting to P750, a mobile phone, and other non-drug items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, stated that the seized shabu weighed approximately 225 grams, with a street value of P1,530,000.

While all three suspects are considered high-value individuals (HVIs), Pancrudo was the primary target of the operation.

He is listed on the regional watchlist of drug personalities by both the PNP and PDEA.

The suspects are currently detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.