Major Drug Bust in Iloilo Nets P1.49 Million Worth of Shabu and Six Suspects
In a significant operation against illegal narcotics, operatives from the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6) successfully conducted a buy-bust that led to the arrest of six suspected drug personalities and the seizure of approximately 220 grams of shabu valued at P1.49 million. The incident occurred in Zone 7, Barangay Pulo Maestra Vita, Oton, Iloilo, at 2:01 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The suspects apprehended include three high-value individuals (HVIs) and three street-value individuals (SVIs). Police identified the HVIs as alias Jeffrey, aged 37; his live-in partner alias Zaza, aged 45; and alias Mark, aged 28. The SVIs were named as alias Sha, 27; alias Nato, 36; and alias Syd, 37. According to investigators, the arrest followed a transaction where the suspects sold one sachet of shabu to an undercover police officer, prompting immediate apprehension.
A subsequent search of the area yielded nine additional sachets and one knot-tied plastic bag containing the total 220 grams of shabu. Authorities also recovered buy-bust money, three Android cellular phones, several empty plastic sachets, and other non-drug items. Police estimated the street value of the confiscated illegal drugs at P1,496,000, underscoring the scale of the operation.
Background and Charges
Investigators revealed that Jeffrey, Zaza, and Mark were the primary targets of the buy-bust, with intelligence indicating their involvement in conspiring to sell illegal drugs. The operation was initiated after an intensive intelligence build-up and tips from community sources. Jeffrey and Zaza, residents of Barangay Jibao-an Norte in Mandurriao District, Iloilo City, were temporarily staying in Oton at the time, while Mark, Sha, and Nato hailed from Barangay Jibao-an in Pavia, Iloilo. Syd was a resident of the same barangay in Oton where the bust took place.
Authorities noted that the three SVIs were allegedly assisting the live-in couple in the illegal drug trade, particularly in repacking shabu into smaller sachets for distribution. The suspects are currently in police custody and will face charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. These include violations of Section 5 (sale of illegal drugs), Section 11 (possession of illegal drugs), and Section 26 (conspiracy to commit a drug offense), which carry severe penalties such as life imprisonment and fines ranging from P500,000 to P10 million.
Official Statements and Regional Efforts
Police Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, the regional director of PRO 6, commended the operating units for their successful efforts. "Every drug personality arrested and every gram of shabu seized means lives saved and families protected. Our fight against illegal drugs is not just about enforcement, it is about safeguarding the future of our communities. PRO 6 will remain relentless in running after those who attempt to poison our streets," Ligan stated.
The operation was a collaborative effort led by the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit in Western Visayas, with support from the Regional Intelligence Unit in Western Visayas and the Oton Municipal Police Station. PRO 6 has reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing intelligence-driven operations aimed at curbing illegal drug proliferation in the region, with the goal of fostering safer communities.
Call for Public Cooperation
In light of this successful bust, PRO 6 has called for increased public cooperation in the fight against illegal drugs. Residents are encouraged to report any information regarding suspicious drug activities to assist authorities in maintaining and strengthening the anti-drug campaign across Western Visayas. This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges and dedicated efforts required to address drug-related issues in the area.
