Woman, two youths arrested in Iloilo drug sting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A woman was arrested with more than PHP 3.7 million worth of suspected illegal drugs during a police anti-narcotics operation in Jaro district early evening of June 11.

Police identified the suspect only as Karen, 48, a high-value drug personality and resident of Zone 1, Barangay Tacas, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Police also arrested Kyle, 25, a graduating criminology student, and a 17-year-old, both residents of Barangay San Isidro, Jaro.

Police said the two were caught buying suspected shabu from Karen during the buy-bust operation.

Members of the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit 6 arrested Karen after she allegedly sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP 14,000.

Confiscated during the operation were 22 heat-sealed and nine knot-tied plastic sachets of suspected shabu, along with several non-drug pieces of evidence.

Capt. Glenn Soliman, RPDEU-6 deputy chief, said the seized drugs weighed about 555 grams and had a standard drug price of PHP 3,774,000.

Authorities said Karen had been placed under surveillance before the operation because of her alleged involvement in illegal drug activities in Jaro district and nearby towns.

Police said Karen may have established her drug links through her son, who is currently incarcerated over a drug-related offense.

She was also allegedly connected to another inmate at the New Bilibid Prison.

Karen and Kyle are detained and will face charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The minor was turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office for proper intervention.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Western Visayas police chief, lauded the operating units for the successful operation, describing it as the largest seizure recorded so far under his leadership.

“I commend our operating units for their dedication, effective coordination, strengthened collaboration, and professionalism that led to the arrest of these drug personalities and the confiscation of a significant volume of illegal drugs,” he said.

Tuaño said the accomplishment reflects PRO-6’s commitment to intensifying its campaign against illegal drugs and safeguarding communities from the threats and harmful effects of illegal substances.

He also assured the public that police would further strengthen their operations, intelligence efforts, and partnerships with communities to sustain peace, order, and public safety.