Major Drug Bust in Iloilo: P1.9 Million Worth of Shabu Seized, Two High-Value Suspects Arrested
In a significant blow to the illegal drug trade, operatives from the Iloilo City Police Office-City Drug Enforcement Unit have successfully apprehended two high-value individuals and confiscated a substantial quantity of shabu valued at approximately P1,904,000. The meticulously planned buy-bust operation took place in Zone 1, Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, at precisely 2:52 p.m. on February 26, 2026.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The arrested suspects are siblings, identified through their aliases as Aj, a 20-year-old construction worker, and Batwan, a 21-year-old passenger assistant officer. Both individuals are residents of Barangay Bakhaw, where the operation was conducted. Authorities revealed that the suspects had been under intensive surveillance for several weeks, with crucial intelligence provided by vigilant citizens and the Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) program.
The operation was a coordinated effort led by Captain Roque Gimeno III of the City Drug Enforcement Unit, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. These included the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas, the Icpo Swat Team, RPSB Team Bakhaw, and the Iloilo City Police Station 10 Station Drug Enforcement Team. This collaborative approach underscores the comprehensive strategy employed to combat drug proliferation.
Evidence Recovered and Legal Proceedings
During the operation, police seized 12 heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets and two knot-tied plastic bags, all containing shabu. The total weight of the confiscated drugs was 280 grams, with an estimated street value of P1,904,000. In addition to the illegal substances, authorities recovered marked money used in the buy-bust and several non-drug items as part of the evidence.
The suspects are currently detained at the Iloilo City Police Station 10, awaiting the formal filing of charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This law imposes severe penalties for drug-related offenses, highlighting the gravity of the case.
Official Statements and Warnings
Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO 6), commended the operating units for their successful mission. He emphasized that this accomplishment benefits not only the police force but the entire community, which stands to gain from a drug-free environment. "Rest assured, we will not stop until these drug targets are behind bars," Ligan stated, reaffirming the commitment to ongoing anti-drug efforts.
Colonel Wilbert Parilla, officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Office, issued a stern warning to those involved in illegal activities. "Let this serve as a stern warning to those who continue to engage in the illegal drug trade — we are coming after you. We will not stop. We will not slow down. The Icpo remains fully committed to eradicating illegal drugs in Iloilo City and ensuring that those involved are arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Parilla declared.
Broader Context and Community Impact
Authorities clarified that this operation is part of the continuing efforts by PRO 6 to curb the proliferation of illegal drugs through coordinated law enforcement initiatives. The involvement of community members and the RPSB highlights the importance of public cooperation in these campaigns. Such operations aim to disrupt drug networks and enhance public safety across Iloilo City and the wider Western Visayas region.
The seizure of P1.9 million worth of shabu represents a significant interception of drugs that could have otherwise fueled addiction and crime. As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges in combating the drug trade and the unwavering dedication of law enforcement agencies to protect communities from its harmful effects.
