Twin drug busts net PHP 1 million shabu

By Jennifer P. Rendon

More than PHP 1 million worth of suspected shabu was seized in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Iloilo province, police said.

The operations led to the arrest of two newly identified high-value individuals from the towns of New Lucena and Oton.

Alias Melvin, 44, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Wari-Wari, New Lucena, where he also resides.

Personnel of the New Lucena Municipal Police Station arrested Melvin at around 11:35 a.m. on Jan. 18 after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.

The suspect was found in possession of eight more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items.

The seized drugs weighed about 55 grams and were valued at PHP 375,000 based on standard drug pricing.

Police said Melvin had been under surveillance for two weeks following reports of his alleged drug-pushing activities.

Authorities added that he allegedly sourced his supply from Bacolod City and distributed illegal drugs in several barangays in New Lucena.

Meanwhile, alias Francisco, 51, was arrested in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Poblacion South, Oton, at around 6:10 a.m. on Monday.

Members of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 1, together with personnel from the Oton Municipal Police Station and the IPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, arrested Francisco after he allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 13,000.

Police recovered six more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items from the suspect during a body search.

The seized drugs weighed about 100 grams and were valued at PHP 680,000.

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