Iloilo Police Seize P1.05 Million Worth of Shabu in Coordinated Drug Busts
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, police operatives in Iloilo have successfully arrested three drug suspects and confiscated approximately 155 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P1,054,000. The separate buy-bust operations were conducted on February 11, 2026, targeting locations in Barangay Gerongan, Lemery, and Barangay Gines Viejo, Passi City.
Details of the Lemery Operation
At 2:45 p.m. in Barangay Gerongan, Lemery, personnel from the Lemery Municipal Council police station, supported by the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) Provincial Intelligence Unit, 2nd Iloilo Police Mobile Force Company, and IPPO Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) Team 3, apprehended a high-value individual known as "Vince." A resident of Barangay Dinginan, Roxas City, Capiz, Vince was found in possession of 65 grams of suspected shabu contained within 12 plastic sachets. Authorities also recovered the buy-bust money used in the operation.
Passi City Arrests and Seizure
Later that day at 5:20 p.m. in Barangay Gines Viejo, Passi City, operatives from the Passi City Police Station and IPPO DEU Team 2 arrested two additional suspects: "Aldrin," a 50-year-old farmer from Barangay Gines Viejo identified as a high-value individual, and "Rey," a street-level individual residing in Barangay Sablogon. From these suspects, police confiscated eight plastic sachets containing 90 grams of suspected shabu.
Legal Charges and Police Response
All three suspects are currently in police custody and are facing charges for violating Sections 5, 11, and 26 of Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These sections pertain to the sale, possession, and conspiracy to commit illegal drug activities, respectively.
Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their efforts in the successful operations. He emphasized the destructive impact of illegal drugs on families and communities, stating, "Illegal drugs destroy families and communities. We remain committed to keeping our communities safe, and public support is crucial in achieving a drug-free Western Visayas." The arrests underscore the ongoing commitment of local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking and enhance public safety in the region.
