Two riders nabbed in Iloilo drug stings

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two freelance motorcycle taxi drivers were arrested in separate anti-illegal drug operations in Iloilo City.

Police identified the suspects only as alias Bongbong, 37, of Zone 7, Barangay Don Esteban, Lapuz, Iloilo City, and alias Rhebin, 26, of Barangay Maria Clara, City Proper, Iloilo City.

Members of the Iloilo City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), together with personnel from the ICPO SWAT Team, Iloilo City Police Station 8, and the Iloilo Maritime Police Station, apprehended Bongbong around 7:35 p.m. on April 27 at his home.

He allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 4,000.

He also allegedly yielded 12 more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items.

Capt. Roque Gimeno III, ICPO-CDEU chief, said the seized shabu weighed around 85 grams and had a standard drug price of PHP 578,000.

Meanwhile, Gimeno’s team arrested Rhebin around 12:05 a.m. on April 27 in Barangay Legaspi, City Proper, Iloilo City.

He allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP 8,000.

Eight more sachets of suspected shabu and several non-drug items were seized from his possession.

Gimeno said the seized drugs weighed approximately 65 grams and were valued at PHP 442,000.

He added that the two operations were unrelated and that the suspects sourced their supply from different individuals.

Gimeno said the two riders were allegedly using their motorcycle taxi work as a front for their illegal drug trade.

Rhebin allegedly acted as a runner for several drug peddlers in Iloilo City.

He allegedly sourced his supply from a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) inmate and from Bakhaw, Mandurriao.

Rhebin had no previous drug-related arrest but was previously arrested for a physical injury case.

Meanwhile, Bongbong had no drug-related apprehension but was previously arrested in a robbery case.

The two suspects are now detained and will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.