Major Drug Bust in Iloilo: Police Confiscate P2.7 Million Worth of Shabu and Apprehend Three Suspects
In a significant crackdown on illegal narcotics, operatives from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) successfully seized approximately 395 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of P2,686,000 during coordinated anti-drug operations conducted on March 24, 2026. The operations, which took place in the municipalities of Leganes and Sara, Iloilo, resulted in the arrest of three drug personalities, dealing a substantial blow to the local drug supply chain ahead of the Holy Week period.
Leganes Operation Nets High-Value Individual and Large Haul
The most substantial seizure occurred in Barangay Calaboa, Leganes, where police executed a buy-bust operation at approximately 4:47 p.m. This led to the apprehension of a suspect identified as alias Rex, a 42-year-old unemployed resident who has been newly classified as a high-value individual (HVI). Authorities revealed that Rex had a prior conviction for drug-related offenses and was operating on parole, allegedly conducting illegal activities across both Leganes and Iloilo City.
The operation was a collaborative effort involving the IPPO's Provincial Drug Enforcement Team (PDET), the Municipal Police Station of Leganes, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit, initiated based on intelligence provided by a minor runner. From the suspect, law enforcement recovered nine heat-sealed plastic sachets containing around 335 grams of suspected shabu, valued at P2,278,000, along with buy-bust money and additional non-drug evidence.
Second Operation in Sara Leads to Additional Arrests
In a separate incident later that evening, at about 7:34 p.m. in Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Aspera, Sara, joint operatives from the Sara Municipal Police Station and the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company arrested two more suspects. These individuals were identified as alias Sam, a 26-year-old laborer and resident of Barangay Apologista, classified as an HVI, and alias Itik, a 34-year-old resident of Barangay Arante, categorized as a street-level individual (SLI).
During this operation, authorities confiscated five sachets of suspected shabu weighing approximately 60 grams, with an estimated value of P408,000, alongside buy-bust money and other non-drug items. All three arrested suspects are currently in police custody and are set to face charges under Republic Act 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
Police Leadership Commends Efforts and Highlights Impact
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the operating units for their unwavering dedication. He emphasized that these operations represent a major setback for the illegal drug supply, particularly as Holy Week approaches. "Kudos to our operating units for your unwavering efforts to make Western Visayas a drug-free region. This large amount of drugs is a significant blow to its supply, especially with Holy Week approaching. If we do not confiscate it, many lives could be lost," Ligan stated.
The PRO 6 has reiterated its call for public cooperation, urging communities to remain vigilant and actively support law enforcement by reporting any illegal drug activities. This collaborative approach is essential to sustaining the momentum of anti-drug operations throughout Iloilo Province and the wider Western Visayas region, ensuring continued progress in the fight against narcotics.
