Major Drug Bust in Estancia: 10 Suspects Captured in Nighttime Raid
Police authorities in Western Visayas scored a significant victory against illegal drugs with the arrest of ten suspects and the confiscation of more than 221 grams of shabu during a carefully planned operation in Iloilo. The buy-bust operation took place in Poblacion Zone 1, Estancia, Iloilo at 11:20 p.m. on November 19, 2025, marking a substantial blow to local drug distribution networks.
Intelligence-Driven Operation Leads to Multiple Arrests
The successful operation was the result of five months of intensive intelligence gathering and validation by the Estancia Municipal Police Station and partner units. According to police reports, the suspects were involved in distributing illegal drugs sourced from Roxas City and Iloilo City and selling them within Estancia municipality.
Among those apprehended were a mix of high-value individuals (HVIs) and street-value individuals (SVIs), including:
- Alias Nonoy Dulom, 21, HVI, laborer from Barangay Tacbuyan
- Alias Carvajal, 52, HVI, mechanic from Barangay Tacbuyan
- Alias Seballos, 29, SVI, laborer from Victorias City, Negros Occidental
- Alias Onilan, 18, SVI, laborer from Barangay Bayuyan
- Alias Laban, 24, SVI, laborer from Barangay Pa-on
- Alias Relox, 36, SVI, laborer from Poblacion Zone 1
- Alias Gonzales, 29, SVI, driver from Barangay Calapdan
- Alias Amante, 31, newly identified SVI, jobless from Barangay Calapdan
- Alias Villarias, 24, newly identified SVI, helper from Ajuy, Iloilo
- Alias Damug, legal age, from Poblacion Zone 1
Significant Drug Evidence Confiscated
Law enforcement operatives recovered substantial evidence from the suspects, including eighteen heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing shabu with a combined estimated weight of 221.74 grams. The seized items also included buy-bust money and several non-drug items used in the illegal drug trade.
All arrested individuals and the confiscated evidence are now under the custody of the Estancia MPS for documentation and proper disposition. The suspects will face charges for violations of Sections 5, 11, and 26 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Leadership Commends Successful Operation
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of PRO 6, praised the operatives for their exceptional work. "I commend our men and women on the ground for their diligence and determination," Ligan stated. "Rest assured, PRO 6 will continue to pursue those who threaten the safety of our communities."
The regional director emphasized the importance of community cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs, calling on the public to remain vigilant and work hand in hand with law enforcement authorities.
Adding to the commendations, Police Colonel Bayani Razalan, provincial director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, recognized the Estancia police for their accomplishment. He noted that the successful operation demonstrated the dedication of Ilonggo police officers and the valuable support from the community.
This operation forms part of PRO 6's continuous campaign against illegal drugs in Western Visayas, highlighting the effectiveness of intelligence gathering, coordinated law enforcement, and strong community partnerships in combating drug-related activities across the region.
