Iloilo Police Seize P578,000 Worth of Shabu, Arrest Two High-Value Drug Suspects
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, operatives from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) City Drug Enforcement Unit have apprehended two high-value individuals (HVIs) and confiscated around 85 grams of shabu with an estimated street value of P578,000. The meticulously planned buy-bust operation unfolded at approximately 6:50 p.m. on March 9, 2026, within a subdivision located in Barangay Lanit, Jaro District, Iloilo City.
Police Leadership Commends Swift Action
Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, the officer-in-charge of the ICPO, publicly praised the operating units for their decisive and effective execution of this anti-illegal drug mission. He emphasized the unwavering commitment of the police force to intensify efforts aimed at eradicating the scourge of illegal drugs from the city.
"Illegal drugs continue to destroy lives and communities, and the Iloilo City Police Office will not allow this menace to thrive in our city," Parilla stated. "We commend our operating units for their swift and effective action, and we assure the public that ICPO will sustain aggressive operations against all individuals involved in illegal drug activities."
Suspects Identified and Evidence Detailed
The arrested suspects have been identified as alias Win, a 44-year-old butcher, and alias Jem, a 39-year-old construction worker. Both individuals are residents of Barangay Lanit, Jaro District, Iloilo City, and were officially listed as high-value individuals on the police drug watchlist prior to their capture.
Authorities reported that the suspects were taken into custody after they allegedly sold shabu to an undercover police operative during the transaction. Recovered from the suspects were eight heat-sealed transparent plastic sachets containing the illegal substance, which included the buy-bust item itself. Additionally, the buy-bust money and several non-drug items were seized as part of the evidence collection process.
Coordinated Operation and Legal Proceedings
The successful operation was conducted by operatives of the City Drug Enforcement Unit under the leadership of Police Captain Roque Gimeno III. The mission was executed in close coordination with multiple specialized units, including the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas, the Iloilo City Police Office Special Weapons and Tactics team, the Revitalized Police Sa Barangay Lanit Team, and the Iloilo City Police Station 3 (ICPS 3)-Station Drug Enforcement Team.
Following their arrest, the suspects were transported to the custody of ICPS 3 for proper documentation and the preparation of formal charges. They will face allegations for violation of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Ongoing Investigation and Forensic Analysis
The confiscated pieces of evidence, including the substantial quantity of shabu, will be submitted to the crime laboratory for thorough examination and analysis. Meanwhile, authorities are continuing their investigation to determine any possible links the suspects may have to other illegal drug activities operating within Iloilo City, aiming to dismantle broader networks involved in narcotics distribution.
