Major Drug Bust in Iloilo: Eight Suspects Arrested, P2.31 Million Worth of Shabu Seized
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, authorities in Iloilo City conducted two separate buy-bust operations on March 4, 2026, resulting in the arrest of eight drug suspects and the confiscation of approximately 340 grams of shabu valued at P2.31 million. The operations, which targeted high-value individuals and street-level dealers, underscore the police force's intensified campaign against drug trafficking in Western Visayas.
Police Leadership Highlights Commitment to Anti-Drug Efforts
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), emphasized the importance of these successful operations. "These successful operations underscore our relentless commitment to dismantling drug networks operating in Western Visayas," Ligan stated. "The arrest of high-value individuals and their cohorts sends a strong message that we will not allow illegal drugs to destroy our communities. We commend our operatives for their dedication and assure the public that PRO 6 will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations in close coordination with our partner units and the community."
First Operation in Barangay Bakhaw Leads to Six Arrests
The initial operation took place at 1:15 p.m. in Zone 6, Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao District, Iloilo City. Police apprehended six suspects, including two classified as high-value individuals (HVIs) and four as street-value individuals (SVIs). The arrested individuals, all residents of Barangay Bakhaw, were identified by aliases:
- Luigi, 33, HVI
- Cindy, 42, HVI
- Jolien, 35, SVI
- Noy, 31, SVI
- Jo, 41, SVI
- Oca, 52, SVI
Authorities discovered the suspects allegedly engaged in a pot session inside the residence of the main target, Luigi. During the operation, police recovered:
- Nine heat-sealed and four knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing shabu, weighing about 140 grams with a standard drug price of P952,000
- Buy-bust money
- Several non-drug items
Second Operation in Barangay Calumpang Nets Two High-Value Suspects
Later that day, at 9:45 p.m., a second buy-bust was conducted in Zone 3B, Barangay Calumpang, Molo District, Iloilo City. This operation resulted in the arrest of two more suspects, both classified as HVIs:
- Sheila, 37, a resident of Zone 3B, Barangay Calumpang, Molo District, Iloilo City, and an ex-convict for violation of Republic Act 9165
- Tomboy, 33, a resident of Barangay Sooc, Arevalo District, Iloilo City
Confiscated items from this operation included:
- Nine heat-sealed sachets and two knot-tied transparent plastic bags containing shabu, weighing approximately 200 grams with a standard drug price of P1,360,000
- Buy-bust money
- Other drug and non-drug paraphernalia
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Anti-Drug Campaign
Police are preparing cases for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, against all arrested suspects. The operations are part of PRO 6's intensified anti-illegal drug campaigns, implemented in coordination with partner law enforcement units. The suspects are currently under police custody as authorities prepare the necessary charges for court proceedings.
This dual operation highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities in Iloilo City, with authorities leveraging intelligence and community cooperation to target both high-level and street-level drug networks.
