Two arrested in Oton drug bust, PHP 1.9M seized
By Jennifer P. Rendon
ILOILO CITY – Two individuals on the Police Regional Office 6’s (PRO-6) priority target list were arrested during an anti-illegal drug operation that yielded approximately PHP 1.9 million worth of suspected shabu in Oton, Iloilo, on the afternoon of Nov. 6, 2026.
The suspects were identified as alias “Mel,” 54, a resident of Oton, and alias “Ken,” 45, of Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Both were apprehended during a buy-bust operation at Savannah City in Barangay Polo Maestra Vita, Oton.
Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6 conducted the operation in coordination with personnel from the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 6, Regional Intelligence Division (RID) 6, PNP Drug Enforcement Group-Special Operations Unit 6 (PDEG-SOU 6), and Oton Municipal Police Station.
According to police, the suspects allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 13,000 to an undercover police officer acting as a buyer.
The transaction led to their arrest and the recovery of additional suspected illegal drugs.
Authorities also recovered PHP 500 in cash, two mobile phones, drug-related items and other nondrug items from the suspects.
Capt. Glenn Soliman, deputy chief of RPDEU-6, said the seized suspected shabu weighed approximately 280 grams, with an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1,904,000.
Soliman said both suspects had previously been arrested for drug-related offenses.
Police intelligence reports indicated that the two had allegedly resumed their involvement in the illegal drug trade.
Investigators believed the suspects were operating in Iloilo City and several areas of Iloilo province.
Soliman said police had placed the suspects under surveillance for more than a month before carrying out the buy-bust operation.
The arrests form part of PRO-6’s continuing campaign against suspected high-value drug personalities and illegal drug distribution networks in Western Visayas.
Under Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the unauthorized sale and possession of dangerous drugs are punishable offenses.
The suspects are currently detained and are expected to face appropriate charges for alleged violations of RA 9165.
Police have yet to disclose the specific charges to be filed against each suspect.
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