Two suspects nabbed in PHP3.6-M Iloilo drug bust

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two men were arrested during an anti-drug operation on the night of July 26 in Arevalo, Iloilo City.

The suspects, identified only as alias Bensoy, 23, and alias Rey, 30, are both residents of Barangay Calumpang, Molo.

They were apprehended in a buy-bust operation along Sunset Boulevard in Barangay Sooc, Arevalo.

The two allegedly conspired to sell a sachet of suspected shabu for PHP12,000.

The operation was conducted by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) 6, in coordination with the PNP Drug Enforcement Group, Iloilo City Police Station 6, and the Iloilo City Police Office–City Drug Enforcement Unit (ICPO-CDEU), following months of surveillance.

Police recovered five additional sachets and four knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu from Bensoy’s possession.

They also recovered two knot-tied plastic packs from Rey.

Authorities seized a sling bag, a digital weighing scale, a mobile phone, PHP800 in cash, a Honda Accord sedan, and other non-drug items.

Captain Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 team leader, said the confiscated drugs weighed around 530 grams with a standard street value of PHP3,604,000.

Soliman said Bensoy was the primary target of the operation.

He allegedly sourced his supply from a contact at the New Bilibid Prison, where his brother is also incarcerated.

Police said the suspects had been distributing illegal drugs in Iloilo City and province.

Bensoy has no previous criminal record, while Rey had been jailed for a non-drug-related offense.

Soliman said both suspects have been cooperating in identifying their drug contacts and clients.

They are currently detained and will be charged with violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.