Two ex-convicts caught with PHP 3.7 million shabu

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two drug personalities were arrested during a police anti-narcotics operation early morning of Oct. 8 in Molo, Iloilo City.

Alias Allan, 38, of Barangay Tabucan, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, and alias Joebert, 55, of Barangay Talibong, Zarraga, Iloilo, were arrested in a buy-bust operation at Barangay Salvacion Habog-Habog, Molo, at 3:18 a.m. Wednesday.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6, along with the Regional Intelligence Division 6, the Police Drug Enforcement Group–Special Operating Unit 6, and the Iloilo City Police Station 4, made the arrest after the suspects sold five sachets of suspected shabu for PHP 60,000.

During the frisking, police recovered 10 plastic sachets and six knot-tied transparent plastic bags of suspected shabu, illegal drug paraphernalia, and several non-drug items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said the seized drugs weighed around 550 grams, with a standard drug price of PHP 3,740,000.

Soliman said the two suspects had been under surveillance for about four months due to their involvement in illegal drug distribution.

A month-long surveillance operation confirmed that their distribution covered several areas in Iloilo province and parts of Iloilo City.

Soliman described Allan and Joebert as bodegero (storekeepers) and distributors in the local drug network.

He said they have an upline and are known to distribute to several downlines.

Customers could pay either through GCash or pat affront (payment upon delivery).

Records showed that one suspect was previously arrested for a drug-related offense in 2020 and the other in 2021.

Both were released from jail after entering plea bargaining agreements.

Allan will be charged with violating Sections 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), 11 (Possession of Dangerous Drugs), and 26 (Conspiracy), while Joebert will face charges for violating Sections 5 and 26 of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.