Two tricycle drivers arrested with PHP 1.36M shabu

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A barangay in Oton, Iloilo, previously declared drug-cleared, became the subject of a police anti-narcotics operation on Dec. 17.

During the operation in Barangay Poblacion South, police arrested two tricycle drivers and seized illegal drugs valued at more than PHP 1 million.

The suspects were identified as alias John, 34, and alias Eric, 32, both residents of Poblacion South, who were arrested during a buy-bust operation.

Police said John, tagged as a high-value individual, allegedly sold one sachet of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer.

Operatives from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit Team 1, together with the Oton Municipal Police Station, seized 10 additional sachets and three knot-tied plastic packs of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug items.

IPPO-PDEU chief Maj. Dadje Delima said the seized illegal drugs weighed about 200 grams and had an estimated standard drug price of PHP 1,360,000.

Authorities said both suspects have no previous drug-related arrests.

Police conducted surveillance operations against the suspects following information provided by a confidential informant.

Reports indicated that John had allegedly been distributing shabu in several areas of Arevalo district in Iloilo City, in Oton town, and in the outskirts of Tigbauan town.

The suspects are currently under the custody of the Oton Municipal Police Station and will face appropriate charges.

Police said John will be charged with violations of Sections 5 and 11, while Eric will face charges under Sections 11 and 26 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.